David and Goliath set for January court hearing

Author: Simon Dexter

David and Goliath set for January court hearing
Here’s a case which we think is ideal for any barrack-room lawyers because the basic evidence, from one party at least, can be quickly checked online.

Earlier this week, an Ohio Federal District Court set a trial date for a copyright infringement case between the US Playing Card Company (aka Goliath) and a Florida-based inventor named Michael Faessler (aka David). A trial date has been set for 14th January 2008.

Back in 2005, Faessler accused the US Playing Card Company of copying the design of his “military playing card” design for which there are potential statutory damages of .3 million. Faessler alleges that his playing card designs are being infringed by the UPCC’s “Patriotic Playing Card” design.

Faessler has been trying to garner support for his case among card players across the globe and has created a website providing an explanation of the dispute together with his personal opinions on the matter. Photos of the designs of both manufacturers’ versions of the playing cards can be viewed at www.faesslervuspc.com

If, after taking a look, you would like to air your opinion, we’d be delighted to hear what you think.