Hoshizaki America, Inc. Wins Initial Ruling in Ice Machine Patent Dispute
Hoshizaki America, a leading manufacturer of commercial ice and refrigeration equipment, has received a favorable initial determination in its patent infringement case against competitor Blue Air FSE LLC and its parent company, Bluenix Co., Ltd.
Key Developments
Ruling Details: After a week-long hearing, the Chief Administrative Law Judge at the International Trade Commission (ITC) found that Blue Air and Bluenix violated U.S. trade law by importing and selling ice machines that infringe three of Hoshizaki’s patents.
Patent Validity: The judge upheld the validity of Hoshizaki’s patents, rejecting Respondants’ arguments that Hoshizaki’s patents are invalid as not innovative.
Recommended Action: The judge has recommended that the ITC issue an order to prevent Blue Air and Bluenix from importing and selling the infringing products in the United States.
What’s Next
- The ITC is expected to make a final determination later this year.
- A related lawsuit is ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Company Response
Allan Dziwoki, Hoshizaki America’s President, expressed satisfaction with the initial ruling, stating, “Hoshizaki invests heavily in research and development of new and improved technology. Protecting that investment by enforcing our intellectual property rights is extremely important to us, and we will take whatever steps are necessary to do that.”
Background
The dispute centers around Hoshizaki’s patented crescent cuber evaporator design, which is used in ice-making systems. The company alleges that Blue Air and Bluenix’s BLMI and BLUI series ice machines infringe these patents. This case highlights the importance of intellectual property protection in the competitive commercial kitchen equipment industry.