A Texas company is suing Minneapolis-based startup TurnSignl, Inc., saying its business, which provides on-demand legal help through an app to drivers who have been stopped by police, has infringed on an issued patent.
Plano, Texas-based Redmon Jeang, co-founded by entrepreneur Clayton Redmon and lawyer Wei Wei Jeang, alleges that TurnSignl and its foundation had been operating its business in breach of Redmon Jeang's protected patent that has ownership over a “mobile lawyer system” similar to the Minneapolis startup’s platform, according to a civil complaint filed Oct. 31 in the U.S. District Court of Minnesota.
Jazz Hampton, CEO and general counsel of TurnSignl, declined to comment, saying that the company is taking time to assess the case.
Redmon Jeang’s patented system is used “for summoning an attorney during a traffic stop, quickly and virtually, whenever a need arises to help defuse the situation, run interference, and provide legal advice,” the complaint said. The company is being represented by Elizabeth Patton with Fox Rothschild and Amy LaValle with Munck Wilson Mandala.
“We are committed to developing novel, high-quality social good technology solutions that address our community's evolving needs today and in the future,” Redmon said in a press release.
The patent was issued in September, though its application was filed more than five years ago, according to the complaint.
Redmon Jeang is seeking an account of the profits and gains TurnSignl has acquired due to the alleged infringement as well as compensatory damages. It also wants supplemental damages, covered court costs and a court order to stop TurnSignl from making, distributing or using the system as described in the patent, the complaint says.
TurnSignl launched in 2021, weeks after Daunte Wright was fatally shot by a Brooklyn Center police officer during a traffic stop. The app, currently available in nine states, offers users access to an attorney live during a police stop and records the interaction. It has received numerous accolades, including during this year’s Twin Cities Startup Week, and national attention, when it was selected for Google's startup accelerator for Black founders in August.
