Monster Cable Sues Fanny Wang Over Headphones

Just 4-days after launch on December 14, Monster Cable and Beats Electronics (Beats by Dr. Dre) have sued new headphone competitor Fanny Wang Headphone Co. for patent and trade dress infringement. Monster Cable and Beats by Dr. Dre have also filed an injunction to keep Fanny Wang Headphone Co. from attending CES, a major consumer electronics show aimed at introducing new products to retailers and distributors around the world.

Prior to starting the costly manufacturing process of launching a new technology product, co-founders of Fanny Wang Headphone Co. Tim Hickman and David Adam began by researching what consumers desire in audio accessories.  The trend of many manufacturers was a unibody style, with vendors including Beats, Shure®, Sony®, Soul® and many others.  The Fanny Wang On-Ear Wangs fit the new fashion trend without infringing on any design patents or trade dress rights claimed in the lawsuit.

Here's the problem... for one, the headphones DO look similar in design:

These are the Fanny Wang Headphones

Here are the Beats by Dr. Dre

As you can see, the hinge systems are nearly identical as is the general unibody design. Another point likely causing additional levels of angst, however, is the fact that (according to Fanny Wang and Monster) the sound engineer behind Beats by Dr Dre is also working on the Fanny Wang headphone line. There are some frivolous points brought up by the initiating letter by Monster, but honestly, I think they just can't help themselves and they are so used to putting out these types of lawsuits that I believe they might get a bit overzealous (you can almost hear the lawyers smacking their lips with glee each time a new case is suggested to them).

This case, however, seems to be a bit unique. In fact, we think it might just be legitimate. I know, perish the thought. We're not making a statement declaratively either way, but it has some merit, erroneous points aside (for instance, the Fanny Wang packaging in no way looks similar to Beats By Dr Dre.)

In response to the lawsuit, Fanny Wang Headphone Co. has posted a public letter to Monster Cable and Beats Electronics countering their claims.  The full letter, as well  as the lawsuit, is available to read here.

"After initial review of the lawsuit, we found the claims of patent and trade dress infringement frivolous and unfounded. Monster has claimed they we have copied their packaging, which couldn't be further from the truth.  In addition, the idea that Fanny Wang Girlz could be confused with the Beats spokesperson, Dr. Dre, is ridiculous. Looking at Monster Cable’s previous litigious behavior, including over 110 lawsuits filed, we believe they are using the litigations as a way to squash competition before it begins. By not allowing Fanny Wang to attend CES and piling on court fees, they will seriously impact the financial health of the company."

- Tim Hickman, CEO and co-founder of Fanny Wang Headphone Co.

Fanny Wang Headphone Co. is a new line of ultra premium headphones, which launched on December 10, 2010.  With fashion brands outpacing tech brands over the last year, Fanny Wang is setting itself apart by providing a superior sound, eye-catching style and competitive pricing – the best of fashion and technology for audio.  The headphones are available at www.FannyWang.com.

What do you think - could this be Monster's first (or one of their first) legitimate lawsuits, or are they blowing more hot air?