Procter & Gamble Sues Dollar Shave Club

It was only a matter of time, really. The Procter & Gamble Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary The Gillette Company, has filed a lawsuit in the District of Delaware against Dollar Shave Club. The lawsuit alleges that Dollar Shave Club is violating Gillette’s intellectual property by selling its razors. The lawsuit cites unauthorized use of patented technology.

The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction to prevent the Dollar Shave Club from selling any products infringing Gillette’s patented technology.

“We have long invested heavily in innovation, and our talented scientists have dedicated their careers to delivering the best shaving experience possible for men and women around the world,” said Deborah P. Majoras, chief legal officer, P&G. “Our patents help protect the many technical advancements we’ve made through the years—and when it becomes necessary, we take action to protect these important assets.”

In other news P&G has released its 17th annual sustainability report, which highlights P&G’s recent efforts to address climate change, including a new goal to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020 and two new partnerships with Constellation Energy and EDF RE, which will increase the company’s use of renewable energy.

The report also details the company’s commitment to responsible sourcing of wood fiber and palm oil and the progress being made in this area.

P&G has updated its goal to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020. Since 2010, P&G has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 4%.

P&G said it has met its goal of delivering a 20% reduction in truck kilometers per unit of production, achieving a nearly 25% reduction since 2010. In addition, within North America, the firm said it has met its commitment to convert more than 20% of its truckloads to natural gas vehicles by 2016. This represents more than 14 million truck miles using cleaner burning natural gas while at the same time delivering several millions in cost savings.

P&G said it has exceeded its water reduction goal for manufacturing by delivering a 21% reduction since 2010.

During the past three years, P&G has increased the number of zero manufacturing waste-to-landfill sites from 10% to nearly 50% of its manufacturing sites globally.

“Sustainability is a responsibility and a business opportunity. Since 2007, we have realized a cost savings of nearly $2 billion through waste and energy savings and have reduced our environmental impact. It is exciting to see the changes we are making in our operations, the benefits created for the business and the progress we are making against our sustainability goals,” said Len Sauers, VP-sustainability, P&G.

In addition, P&G said Children’s Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) Program would deliver 15 billion liters by 2020 working in partnership with humanitarian and emergency partners around the world.