Press Release 06.27.18
Pillsbury Team Defeats Patent Infringement Claims on Behalf of Robotic Vacuum Makers
U.S. International Trade Commission Judge Denies Four Allegations Brought by iRobot
Media Coverage
Source: Law360
Media Coverage
Press Contacts: Erik Cummins, Matt Hyams, Taina Rosa, Olivia Thomas
12.06.18
Following its review of Administrative Law Judge Thomas B. Pender's decision in June, the U.S. International Trade Commission knocked out two patents key to Roomba robotic vacuum maker iRobot, according to Pillsbury Intellectual Property partner Kecia Reynolds, who represented iRobot rivals Hoover, bObsweep and Shenzhen Silver Star Intelligent Technology Co.
Reynolds told Law360 that this is a "wonderful result" for her clients. She said the products found to infringe the '233 patent (U.S. Patent No. 9,038,233) have now been discontinued and Judge Pender found that the newer versions of the robotic cleaners do not infringe the patent.
"The old version is discontinued. No one has it, so it's not going to impact us at all," Reynolds said. "We're celebrating."
Hoover, bObsweep and Silver Star are represented by Pillsbury’s Reynolds along with Sean M. Weinman, William P. Atkins, Jack S. Barufka, Bryan P. Collins, Michael K. Heins and Jack Ko.
For previous coverage, please see Pillsbury's June 2018 press release.