Seattle drinkware maker MiiR sues Tesla for copying its tumbler lid design

Seattle-based drinkware maker MiiR is suing Tesla for allegedly copying the lid design and overall look of its stainless steel tumbler. The lawsuit, filed May 28 in US District Court in Seattle, alleges Tesla’s On The Road Tumbler infringes a design patent covering MiiR’s tumbler lid and mimics the cylindrical shape, rounded base, and vertical logo placement of its 360 Traveler Tumbler.

MiiR accuses Tesla of choosing to “substantially copy” its design rather than “innovate and develop its own unique style.” The company says Tesla was already aware of MiiR’s products because it had previously purchased or considered purchasing them.

At the centre of the case is MiiR’s lid, described in the patent as a “solid, saucer-shaped circular lid” whose circumference sits perpendicular to the sides of the container. The US Patent and Trademark Office granted the patent in February 2024. MiiR argues an ordinary observer would be deceived into thinking the two lids are the same or substantially similar.

MiiR also takes issue with Tesla’s logo placement. MiiR has used a distinctive vertical orientation of its etched brand name on drinkware since at least 2011. It says Tesla copied that same orientation on its tumbler rather than developing its own visual identity for the product.

The products are similar in size and price. MiiR’s 16-ounce 360 Traveler sells for $34 in eight colours. Tesla’s 14-ounce version is listed at $32 in three colours. Tesla sells the tumbler through its online shop and retail locations as part of a broader lifestyle merchandise line that includes apparel and accessories.

MiiR, founded in 2010, has won design awards from the Industrial Designers Society of America and donates a percentage of revenue from every product to environmental and community causes. It operates a production and warehouse facility in Marysville, Washington, north of Seattle. The company is represented by K&L Gates.

MiiR is seeking a permanent injunction to stop Tesla from selling the tumbler, damages, an accounting of Tesla’s profits from the product, and attorney fees. It is also asking the court to find that Tesla’s infringement was willful, which could result in enhanced damages. A separate claim under the Washington Consumer Protection Act alleges Tesla misled consumers into believing the tumbler was affiliated with or approved by MiiR.

Tesla has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. It is not the first time the company has faced intellectual property disputes over its product designs.