Seattle-based drinkware manufacturer MiiR has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that the company has copied the design of its tumbler lid.
MiiR is taking legal action against Tesla for allegedly replicating its tumbler lid design and vertical logo. The patent was granted in 2024. MiiR is seeking an injunction and a share of Tesla’s profits.
The Seattle-based drinkware company MiiR has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, claiming that the design of Tesla’s On The Road Tumbler infringes on the design patent for MiiR’s stainless steel tumbler. The complaint, submitted on May 28 in US District Court in Seattle, asserts that Tesla's tumbler mimics the cylindrical shape, rounded base, and vertical logo placement of MiiR's 360 Traveler Tumbler.
MiiR contends that Tesla chose to "substantially copy" its design instead of "innovating and creating its own unique style." The company claims Tesla was aware of MiiR’s offerings, as it had previously shown interest in purchasing them.
The focus of the lawsuit is MiiR's lid, described in the patent as a “solid, saucer-shaped circular lid” with a circumference that remains perpendicular to the container's sides. The US Patent and Trademark Office issued the patent in February 2024. MiiR argues that an ordinary observer would be tricked into believing that the two lids are identical or very similar.
MiiR also takes exception to Tesla's logo positioning. MiiR has employed a distinctive vertical display of its brand name on drinkware since at least 2011 and claims Tesla replicated that same orientation for its tumbler instead of creating its own visual identity for the item.
Both products are comparable in size and cost, with MiiR’s 16-ounce 360 Traveler priced at $34 in eight colors, while Tesla’s 14-ounce version is available at $32 in three colors. Tesla markets the tumbler on its online store and in retail locations as part of a larger lifestyle merchandise range that includes apparel and accessories.
Founded in 2010, MiiR has received design accolades from the Industrial Designers Society of America and contributes a portion of its revenue from every product to environmental and community initiatives. The company operates a production and warehouse facility in Marysville, Washington, located north of Seattle. It is being represented by K&L Gates.
MiiR is requesting a permanent injunction to prevent Tesla from selling the tumbler, compensation for damages, an accounting of Tesla's profits from the product, and reimbursement for legal fees. Additionally, it is asking the court to determine that Tesla’s infringement was willful, which may lead to increased damages. A separate claim under the Washington Consumer Protection Act alleges that Tesla misled consumers into thinking the tumbler was associated with or endorsed by MiiR.
Tesla has yet to publicly address the lawsuit. This is not the first occasion the company has encountered intellectual property disputes regarding its product designs.
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Seattle-based drinkware manufacturer MiiR has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that the company has copied the design of its tumbler lid.
MiiR claims that Tesla's On The Road Tumbler infringes on its patented lid design and the positioning of its vertical logo. The company is pursuing a permanent injunction along with Tesla's profits.