In 2017, Chamberlain Group Inc. (CGI) filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI), the parent company of Ryobi. The lawsuit alleged that TTI’s Ryobi GD200 and GD200A garage door openers infringed on two of CGI’s patents.
Background
CGI is a leading manufacturer of garage door openers and other access control products. TTI is a global manufacturer of power tools and other outdoor products. Ryobi is a popular brand of power tools and outdoor equipment.
The Lawsuit
In its lawsuit, Chamberlain alleged that TTI’s Ryobi GD200 and GD200A garage door openers infringed on two of its patents:
- U.S. Patent No. 7,635,966, which covers a method and system for controlling a garage door opener using a mobile device
- U.S. Patent No. 7,224,275, which covers a method and system for controlling a garage door opener using a voice command
CGI alleged that TTI had willfully infringed on its patents and that it had suffered significant damages as a result.
The Trial
The case went to trial in August 2017. A jury found that TTI had willfully infringed on both of CGI’s patents. The jury also awarded CGI $17.9 million in damages.
The Appeal
TTI appealed the jury’s verdict to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In May 2019, the Federal Circuit affirmed the jury’s verdict on the infringement claims but reduced the damages award to $13.5 million.
The Permanent Injunction
In May 2018, the district court granted CGI’s request for a permanent injunction blocking TTI from selling its infringing Ryobi garage door openers. The permanent injunction remains in effect.
Conclusion
The Ryobi garage door opener lawsuit is a reminder of the importance of intellectual property rights. Companies that infringe on the patents of others can face significant legal and financial consequences.
FAQs
Q: What happened to the Ryobi GD200 and GD200A garage door openers?
A: The Ryobi GD200 and GD200A garage door openers are no longer being sold due to the permanent injunction that was granted against TTI.
Q: Are there any other Ryobi garage door openers that have been found to infringe on CGI’s patents?
A: No, there are no other Ryobi garage door openers that have been found to infringe on CGI’s patents.
Q: Can I still use my Ryobi GD200 or GD200A garage door opener?
A: Yes, you can still use your Ryobi GD200 or GD200A garage door opener. However, you cannot purchase a new one if your current one breaks or stops working.
Q: What should I do if my Ryobi GD200 or GD200A garage door opener breaks or stops working?
A: If your Ryobi GD200 or GD200A garage door opener breaks or stops working, you will need to replace it with a different brand of garage door opener.
Q: Do I have any legal recourse against TTI if my Ryobi GD200 or GD200A garage door opener breaks or stops working?
A: It is unlikely that you have any legal recourse against TTI if your Ryobi GD200 or GD200A garage door opener breaks or stops working. The permanent injunction that was granted against TTI prohibits it from selling infringing garage door openers, but it does not require it to repair or replace garage door openers that have already been sold.
Q: What can I do to protect myself from buying an infringing garage door opener?
A: To protect yourself from buying an infringing garage door opener, you should only purchase garage door openers from reputable retailers.
References
- Chamberlain Group Inc. v. Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd., No. 1:17-cv-07243 (N.D. Ill.): https://casetext.com/case/chamberlain-grp-inc-v-techtronic-indus-co-11
- Chamberlain Group Wins Patent Infringement Case Against Ryobi: https://chamberlaingroup.com/press/permanent-injunction-granted-to-chamberlain-group
- Ryobi Garage Door Opener Lawsuit: What You Need to Know: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DRq9o2S1gH4
