#Japan #Tokyo #Patent Infringement #Air Dribble #TIGORA

AIR DRIBBLE Inc. Takes Legal Action Against Alpen

In an important legal move, AIR DRIBBLE Inc., headquartered in Ota City, Tokyo, has officially filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Alpen Co., Ltd., based in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. The lawsuit was submitted on August 10, 2026, to the Tokyo District Court, marking a significant moment in the competitive landscape of sports training equipment.

Background of the Lawsuit

AIR DRIBBLE has asserted that Alpen's product, the "TIGORA Basketball Dribble Net," infringes on its patented technology (Patent No. 6332893). The company has demanded an injunction against the manufacturing and selling of the TIGORA product, alongside compensation for damages. The foundation of the suit rests on the allegation that Alpen's product incorporates features that violate AIR DRIBBLE’s patented design.

The journey of AIR DRIBBLE began in 2016, with the introduction of its innovative indoor training device designed to reduce noise levels, allowing athletes to practice dribbling within home settings. The company's flagship product, the "Air Dribble," has seen continuous development, culminating in the creation of new solutions such as the "Wall Version Air Dribble," which is currently in the pipeline for market release. The proprietary technology and intellectual property that AIR DRIBBLE has developed are considered invaluable assets to the company.

After thorough consideration of the implications of these patent rights, AIR DRIBBLE has decided that pursuing legal action is essential to safeguard its intellectual property effectively.

Details of the Disputed Products and Patent

The core of the dispute revolves around the technical specifications outlined in Patent No. 6332893, particularly Claim 2, which specifies the following components:

1. An elastic mesh part made from elastic materials,
2. A support frame that holds the elastic mesh under a specified tension,
3. Legs that maintain the mesh part at a predetermined height in a horizontal position,
4. The elastic mesh is designed to bounce back balls that fall within a set weight range using its built-in elastic resilience,
5. The mesh is characterized by a honeycomb structure.

AIR DRIBBLE's own product, the "Air Dribble," is designed around these principles and aims to provide a high-quality training experience for basketball players.

Future Steps

As AIR DRIBBLE navigates this legal challenge, the company remains committed to its loyal customers and the employees engaged in product development. AIR DRIBBLE acknowledges the significance of protecting intellectual property and promoting fair competitive practices in the market. By adhering to legal standards and maintaining integrity in its corporate activities, the company aims to enhance brand trust and deliver quality products to its consumers.

For more information, AIR DRIBBLE can be contacted via email at [email protected]. Their dedication to innovation and consumer satisfaction continues to drive their efforts in the sports training industry.