Munchkin Wins Patent Infringement Verdict Against TOMY International Inc.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Munchkin Inc. (“Munchkin” or “the Company”) the beloved baby lifestyle brand owned by WHY Brands Inc., and an industry leader in the design and development of innovative infant and toddler products, announced today a landmark jury verdict in its patent infringement lawsuit against TOMY International Inc. (“TOMY”).

On September 12, 2025, a federal jury in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago delivered a verdict in favor of Munchkin on all its claims finding that defendant TOMY infringed Munchkin’s design patent protecting its popular Miracle® 360° Sippy Cup. The jury verdict follows a prior finding by the Court that TOMY infringed a Munchkin utility patent protecting the same cup. The jury also determined that TOMY’s infringement of both asserted patents was willful, and found that Munchkin suffered damages for TOMY’s infringement of both patents, awarding Munchkin monetary damages in excess of $3.9 million dollars.

The verdict follows a five-day trial in the lawsuit, Munchkin, Inc. v. TOMY International, Inc. (Case No. 1:18-cv-6337), which has been pending since September 2018. The lawsuit centered on TOMY’s unauthorized manufacture and sale of a spoutless children’s cup product called the Simply Spoutless cup that is predominantly branded with Disney-licensed characters and sold under “The First Years” brand between December 2015 and April 2021. Munchkin alleged that TOMY’s cup incorporated the functional and ornamental design aspects of Munchkin’s utility and design patents.

“We are very pleased with the jury’s verdict. We invest considerable time and financial resources in the research and development of new and innovative children’s products that helps set our company apart from the competition,” said Steven B. Dunn, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Munchkin. “This verdict sends a clear message that innovation and intellectual property should be respected and protected. This is a victory not only for our company, but for innovators everywhere who rely on the integrity of the patent system to protect their unique designs and creations.”

At trial, Munchkin was represented by Luke Meriwether, Eric Sidler, and Tim Hadachek of Lathrop GPM’s intellectual property group. The verdict is still subject to post-trial motions and entry of a final judgment by the Court.

About Munchkin Inc.

For more than 30 years, Munchkin Inc., the baby lifestyle brand owned by WHY Brands Inc, has produced innovative products and functional gear for children and their caregivers. Munchkin has over 350+ patents to date, and more than 250 international product and brand design awards. Munchkin products are sold in more than 50 countries and have received over 1.45 million five-star reviews.

Munchkin has been awarded Great Place to Work for four consecutive years and is recognized as a 2024 Best Places to Work by Built In. Munchkin has been honored on Fast Company’s annual “Brands That Matter” list for two consecutive years, including 2024, and ranked number eight on Fortune’s list of “Most Innovative Companies” in 2023.

As the only baby brand in the United Nations Global Compact, the company prioritizes corporate social responsibility with commitments to environmental protection and animal welfare, which are highlighted in its annual Sustainability Report. Learn more at www.WHYBrands.com and www.Munchkin.com.