Cole Schotz Secures Victory for PILOT Corporation in Amazon Patent Evaluation Express (APEX) Proceeding Against ParKoo

ParKoo Erasable Gel Pens Removed from Amazon Following Enforcement of PILOT’s Patented Thermochromic Technology

Cole Schotz P.C. announced that it secured a favorable outcome for client PILOT Corporation in an Amazon Patent Evaluation Express (APEX) proceeding involving U.S. Patent No. 9,844,973, covering thermochromic writing instrument technology used in PILOT’s popular FriXion® line of erasable pens, against ParKoo’s Retractable Erasable Gel Pens sold on Amazon.com. The proceeding resulted in ParKoo’s accused products being removed from the Amazon marketplace.

Founded in 1918 in Tokyo, Japan, PILOT Corporation is a global leader in writing instruments with operations in over 100 countries. Consistently ranking among the top manufacturers worldwide by revenue and market share, PILOT is trusted by millions of consumers and professionals. Its century-long commitment to R&D has yielded pioneering breakthroughs in ink chemistry and pen engineering, supported by an extensive global patent portfolio.

PILOT’s FriXion erasable pens utilize proprietary thermochromic ink that reacts to frictional heat, allowing users to write, erase, and rewrite without damaging the document. The ’973 Patent at issue in this proceeding protects thermochromic writing instrument technology of the kind underlying the FriXion line — innovation that is central to PILOT’s competitive position in the market.

“PILOT Corporation is committed to protecting the intellectual property that underlies our innovative products,” said a PILOT Corporation spokesperson. “We appreciate Cole Schotz’s skilled representation in this matter, and we will continue to take action to protect our brands and technologies from infringement wherever it occurs.”

“Companies that invest heavily in innovation need practical tools to protect their intellectual property in online marketplaces,” said Arjun P. Nair at Cole Schotz. “We were pleased to help PILOT enforce its patent rights through the APEX process and secure an outcome that protects its technology and market position.” The matter was handled by members of Cole Schotz’s Intellectual Property Department, including Arjun P. Nair, Aaron Davidson, and Vishal H. Patel in the firm’s Dallas office.