Lucent Expands in Japan, Serta Files Patent Suit, and Budget Closes on Ryder TRS Deal

Strategic Insights -

Lucent Technologies Inc. is expanding its presence in Japan by opening a second Bell Laboratories research and development facility in Makuhari, near Tokyo. This new lab will focus on developing new fiber-optic networking technology, with 30 to 60 new workers to be hired. Meanwhile, in a separate development, Serta Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Simmons Co., alleging patent and trademark infringement over its Contour Comfort Quilt mattress design and Crescendo trademark. Additionally, Budget Group Inc. has closed on its acquisition of Denver-based Ryder TRS Inc., a nationwide truck-rental company.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lucent Technologies Inc. is opening a second Bell Laboratories research and development facility in Japan, which will focus on developing new fiber-optic networking technology.
  • The new lab will be located in Makuhari, near Tokyo, and will hire 30 to 60 new workers.
  • Serta Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Simmons Co. over alleged patent and trademark infringement related to its Contour Comfort Quilt mattress design and Crescendo trademark.
  • Budget Group Inc. has closed on its acquisition of Denver-based Ryder TRS Inc., a nationwide truck-rental company.
  • The lawsuit between Serta and Simmons alleges that Simmons' Connoisseur mattress line infringes on Serta's patented design, causing confusion among consumers.
  • Serta seeks an injunction, treble damages, and Simmons' profit on the mattresses at issue.

Statistics:

  • Lucent's new lab in Japan will focus on developing new fiber-optic networking technology.
  • 30 to 60 new workers will be hired for the new lab in Makuhari.
  • Serta's patented Contour Comfort Quilt mattress design is the subject of the lawsuit.
  • The lawsuit alleges that Simmons' sale of Connoisseur mattresses has resulted in $> in losses for Serta.
  • Budget Group Inc. has acquired Denver-based Ryder TRS Inc. in a previously announced deal.

Sources:

  • Bloomberg News
  • Lucent Technologies Inc.
  • Serta Inc.
  • Budget Group Inc.