Austin-Based Yeti Coolers Sues Two More Rivals, Saying Products Are Too Similar

AUSTIN, TX — Officials at Yeti Coolers, makers of high-end — and expensive — coolers and drink cups have sued two more competitors over what the company alleges is infringement on their brand, according to a published report.

The products offered by Axis Cups based in Livingston, Texas, and those of Irvington, Ala.-based Bayou Ice Boxes are too are too similar to those of Yeti Coolers, company officials said. As a result, the Austin-based products maker wants both companies to recall existing products and redesign them, according to a report in the Austin American-Statesman.

Yeti Coolers also is seeming monetary damage in its suit filed in U.S. District Court in Austin. A trial date has not been set.

This isn't the first time Yeti Coolers has gone after rivals with similar allegations. RTIC can no longer make certain products after Yeti Coolers sued it. Before that, Mammoth Coolers got the icy treatment from Yeti Coolers, feeling the effect of another lawsuit.

The two new defendants, Axis Cups and Bayou Ice Boxes, have "...purposely advertised, promoted, offered for sale, sold and/or distributed, and continue to advertise, promote, offer for sale, sell and/or distribute coolers and drinkware that violate Yeti’s rights, including the rights protected by Yeti’s intellectual property,” the suit reads, as referenced by the newspaper.

Yeti Coolers officials claim the likeness of the other products could cause confusion among consumers, labeling the rivals' products as "confusingly similar imitations." The alleged mimicry is "intentional, willful and malicious," according toe the lawsuit.

The two competitors make products sold at considerably lesser price points than Yeti Coolers, which have achieved a sort of status symbol for the outdoorsy set. Yeti Coolers sells its products — including its 50-quart Yeti Tundra priced at $379.99 — online and at its retail store off South Congress Avenue.

The lawsuits illustrate just how competitive the cooler market is. A YouTube video by Axis Cups shows the effectiveness of one of its tumblers compared to the Yeti version, even though the competitor's is substantially less expensive.

>>>Read the full story at Austin American-Statesman

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