Seattle-based drinkware company MiiR has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that the automaker has copied the design of its tumbler lid.

      MiiR is filing a lawsuit against Tesla for allegedly copying its tumbler lid design and vertical logo. The patent for this design was awarded in 2024, and MiiR is seeking an injunction as well as Tesla’s profits from the product.

      Based in Seattle, drinkware company MiiR claims that Tesla has replicated the lid design and overall aesthetics of its stainless steel tumbler. The lawsuit, which was submitted on May 28 in the US District Court in Seattle, asserts that Tesla's On The Road Tumbler infringes on MiiR's design patent for its tumbler lid and closely resembles the cylindrical shape, rounded base, and vertical logo placement of MiiR’s 360 Traveler Tumbler.

      MiiR contends that Tesla opted to “substantially copy” its design instead of creating a unique style of its own. The company alleges that Tesla was already familiar with MiiR’s products, as it had previously purchased or considered them.

      The focal point of the case is MiiR's lid, which is characterized in the patent as a “solid, saucer-shaped circular lid” whose edge is perpendicular to the sides of the container. This patent was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office in February 2024. MiiR argues that an average observer could easily be misled into thinking that the two lids are identical or notably similar.

      Furthermore, MiiR criticizes the placement of Tesla's logo, stating that it has utilized a distinctive vertical orientation for its etched brand name on drinkware since at least 2011. MiiR claims that Tesla replicated this orientation on its tumbler instead of crafting its own branding for the item.

      The two products are comparable in both size and price; MiiR's 16-ounce 360 Traveler retails at $34 in eight colors, while Tesla’s 14-ounce model is priced at $32 in three colors. Tesla markets the tumbler on its online platform and in retail outlets as part of a comprehensive lifestyle merchandise line that includes clothing and accessories.

      Founded in 2010, MiiR has received design accolades from the Industrial Designers Society of America and contributes a portion of revenue from each product to environmental and community initiatives. The company operates a production and warehouse facility in Marysville, Washington, north of Seattle, and is represented by K&L Gates.

      MiiR is pursuing a permanent court order to prevent Tesla from selling the tumbler, seeking damages, an accounting of Tesla's profits from the item, and legal fees. It is also requesting the court to declare Tesla's infringement as willful, which could lead to increased damages. Additionally, a separate claim under the Washington Consumer Protection Act alleges that Tesla misled consumers into believing that the tumbler was associated with or endorsed by MiiR.

      Tesla has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit and has faced similar intellectual property disputes regarding its product designs in the past.