Maker Of Novelty “Beard” Hats Not Joking About Patent Infringement Suit

Beardo, Inc., which sells beanie hats with a knit “beard” attachment, is suing two other companies for infringing on its popular design. The company says it holds a patent for a “combined ski face mask and hat,” and that its design is distinctive, and it points to the company’s 165,737 Facebook “likes” as proof that it has gained significant popularity “amongst consumers of combined ski facemasks and hats.” Beardo asks competitors Beard Head, Bearded Apparel and Neon Eaters to stop producing their product, and pay compensatory and punitive damages.