Hoshizaki America Wins Initial Ruling in Ice Machine Patent Dispute

Hoshizaki America, a leading maker of commercial ice and refrigeration equipment, has secured a favorable initial determination from the International Trade Commission (ITC) in its patent infringement case against Blue Air FSE LLC and its parent company, Bluenix Co., Ltd.

Key Developments

Ruling Details: Following a week-long hearing, the Chief Administrative Law Judge at the ITC found that Blue Air and Bluenix violated U.S. trade law by importing and selling ice machines that infringe on three of Hoshizaki’s patents.

Patent Validity: The judge upheld the validity of Hoshizaki’s patents, rejecting arguments from the respondents that the patents lacked innovation and were invalid.

Recommended Action: The judge has advised 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. Additionally, a related lawsuit is ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Company Response

Allan Dziwoki, President of Hoshizaki America, expressed satisfaction with the ruling: “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 revolves around Hoshizaki’s patented crescent cuber evaporator design used in their ice-making systems. Hoshizaki alleges that Blue Air and Bluenix’s BLMI and BLUI series ice machines infringe on these patents. This case underscores the critical importance of intellectual property protection in the competitive commercial kitchen equipment industry.