Judge Bars Razor Scooter Competitors

Razor USA persuaded a federal judge for now to bar more than a dozen competitors in the kick-scooter market from selling what could be the most popular toy this holiday season. U.S. District Judge Manuel L. Real in Los Angeles issued a temporary restraining order that prevents companies such as Gen-X Sports Inc. and K2 Inc. from selling their brand of scooters between now and Dec. 4. Razor, based in Cerritos, asserted in court that the rivals are violating the patented brake design used on its folding aluminum kick scooters. The ruling comes just in time for the pre-holiday shopping rush, with scooters projected by online retail mall BizRate.com to be the most desired toy this year. Real’s order, if extended, could bar competitors from selling rival versions throughout the holidays and cut the supply for consumers. Real also imposed a $25,000 bond on each of the 13 defendants to ensure they comply with his order. He scheduled a Dec. 4 hearing on whether he should impose a preliminary injunction on Razor’s competitors. Closely held Razor sued two weeks ago, accusing its competitors of patent and trademark infringement and unfair business practices in violation of California law. Razor alleges its rivals are stealing its product design, including its polished aluminum frame, oval-shaped grip tape on the standing plate, rectangular standing plate and translucent colored or clear wheels.