#USA #Patent #North Bethesda #Paddletek #JOOLA

JOOLA and Paddletek Group Settle Patent Dispute

In a significant development in the sports equipment industry, JOOLA and Paddletek Group have announced a settlement that brings an end to the patent infringement claims made by JOOLA against Paddletek. This lawsuit, filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC) on April 7, 2026, revolved around several high-profile products, including the Paddletek Reserve, HoneyFoam™, and ProXR Signature Jolt.

Richard Lee, CEO of JOOLA, expressed gratitude for the cooperative spirit between the two companies. He emphasized that this resolution is a testament to principled competition and mutual respect. "Both companies have deep roots in the sport of pickleball. We appreciate Paddletek’s willingness to acknowledge JOOLA's intellectual property," Lee stated, highlighting the importance of innovation in the sport.

Ron Saslow, CEO of Paddletek Group, also recognized the value of intellectual property and its role in fostering innovation and competition. He noted, "We take intellectual property protection seriously and rely on it in our own business with numerous patents and trademarks. We are pleased to have worked with JOOLA to reach a fast resolution on these disputed claims. This allows us to focus on what matters most—supporting our consumers, distributors, and world-class athletes."

As part of the settlement agreement, Paddletek and ProXR Pickleball will incorporate JOOLA's propulsion core patent number into their respective products and agree to pay royalties. While the controversial products will be phased out, they will still be on sale until the fall of this year.

Importantly, this settlement does not resolve the ongoing litigation concerning the remaining nine respondents mentioned in JOOLA's original filing. JOOLA remains committed to vigorously pursuing action against these parties to safeguard its complete intellectual property rights.

The settlement illustrates how crucial innovation and its protection are within the fast-evolving pickleball industry. As Richard Lee pointed out, “Pickleball is built on innovation, and innovation only thrives when it is protected. We appreciate Paddletek Group for working with us on finding a mutually acceptable outcome.”

About JOOLA
Founded in 1952, JOOLA has established itself as a globally recognized brand in table tennis and pickleball equipment. The company is dedicated to providing exceptional equipment that meets the needs of sports enthusiasts around the world. For more information about their latest offerings, visit www.joola.com.

About Paddletek Group
Since its inception in 2012, Paddletek has become a renowned leader in pickleball paddle manufacturing, recognized for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. More details about their products can be found on their official website, www.paddletek.com.