BOULDER – July 23, 2024 – Nite Ize®, a leading manufacturer of solution-based products, secured two rare 3D design trademarks for its proprietary S-Biner® Dual Carabiner in stainless steel and plastic from the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO). The S-Biner was first invented and trademarked in 2007, earning early recognition and praise for its distinct, yet practical “S” shape containing dual spring gates. S-Biner quickly became a staple among everyday key carriers and outdoor enthusiasts for its progressive dual-purpose use, enabling users to attach and access keys and gear from one end, clipping the other to a belt, backpack or anchor point. Today, millions of S-Biners have been sold, with Nite Ize providing over 50 versions of the carabiner in a variety of materials, sizes, colors and locking features.
“Securing this 3D design trademark is a real testament to our innovation,” said Nite Ize founder and CEO, Rick Case. “Trademarks like these are only awarded for truly unique, famous product designs; we are honored to be recognized by the USPTO for our invention. We’re still building on its success today, with more original innovations always on the horizon.”
Known as a shape trademark, this type of intellectual property is rare and difficult to obtain because, unlike regular trademarks for logos and names, 3D trademarks apply to the visual appearance of the product itself. To prove that the shape of the S-Biner was famous and worthy of a trademark, the Nite Ize legal team compiled over 1,000 pages for its July 2021 filings, relying on examples of the S-Biner in the public eye. Examples included its appearances in The Hunger Games film and a Superbowl ad starring Jay Leno for Acura, used by military professionals, industry awards and publication features dating back to its original 2007 launch. Nite Ize is in good company with its esteemed shape trademarks, with other notable examples including the Apple® iPod®, Coca-Cola® Bottle, Converse® All-Star Shoes and Hershey’s® Kisses and Chocolate Bar.
Since its initial design patents expired in 2022, copycat S-Biners have been on the rise. With the universal S-Biner shape trademark now secured for both the stainless steel and plastic versions, Nite Ize can now defend against any ‘S’ shaped carabiner products in the marketplace in perpetuity.
This win continues their years-long commitment to protecting their patents. In 2018, Nite Ize won an exclusionary order from the International Trade Commission to stop counterfeit Steelie® magnetic phone mount shipments from passing through U.S. Customs. The following year, the brand partnered with Amazon in a landmark federal lawsuit against those counterfeit sellers, advancing their pursuit to protect their intellectual property.
About Nite Ize
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Nite Ize designs, manufactures and globally distributes innovative, inventor-driven products that creatively solve everyday challenges. Nite Ize offers more than 500 products across various channels including: Waterproof Protection, Mobile, Tie-Downs + Bungees, Key Accessories, Illumination, Bike + Fitness and Pet. Led by original founder Rick Case, Nite Ize team members are passionate about their products, customers, partners and the environment. For more information, visit NiteIze.com.
