iRobot Announces Favorable Initial Determination in Patent Dispute

Rhea-AI Summary

iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT) announced on October 11, 2022, that Administrative Law Judge Maryann McNamara ruled in its favor in a patent infringement case against SharkNinja at the ITC. The ruling suggests a limited exclusion order to bar imports of infringing SharkNinja robotic cleaning products. The final determination by ITC Commissioners is expected by February 2023. CEO Colin Angle highlighted the ruling as validation of iRobot's patent strength. This is iRobot's second exclusion order against SharkNinja, with a related district court case still pending.

Positive

• Favorable ruling from ITC validates iRobot's patent portfolio.
• Potential exclusion of SharkNinja products could enhance market position.

Negative

• None.

BEDFORD, Mass., Oct. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT), a leader in consumer robots and maker of the Roomba® robot vacuum, today announced that Administrative Law Judge Maryann McNamara issued an initial determination in favor of iRobot in the company's patent infringement action against SharkNinja Operating LLC and its related entities ("SharkNinja") at the International Trade Commission ("ITC"). The ruling recommended a limited exclusion order in International Trade Commission Investigation No.337-TA-1252 ("In the Matter of Certain Robotic Vacuum Floor Cleaning Devices and Components Thereof"), finding that Shark has infringed valid claims of multiple iRobot asserted patents. The initial determination recommends that the ITC issue an order barring the importation of various infringing SharkNinja robotic cleaning products.

Judge McNamara's initial determination and recommended remedy is now before the ITC Commissioners, with a final determination expected by February 2023. If the recommended remedy is approved by the ITC Commissioners, the exclusion order as to the infringing products will go into effect upon publication of the Commissioners' final determination, regardless of further appeals.

"This determination validates the strength of iRobot's patent portfolio and the hard work of our engineers over the better part of the last two decades," said Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot. "We are glad to see the ITC is holding SharkNinja accountable for its misappropriation of iRobot intellectual property. iRobot thanks ALJ McNamara and the ITC for their hard work in this case."

This is iRobot's second time securing an exclusion order against respondents at the ITC, and second time asserting a lawsuit against SharkNinja. A related district court case involving the patents in this lawsuit will remain pending until the conclusion of the ITC case.

About iRobot Corp.
iRobot is a global consumer robot company that designs and builds thoughtful robots and intelligent home innovations that make life better. iRobot introduced the first Roomba robot vacuum in 2002. Today, iRobot is a global enterprise that has sold millions of robots worldwide. iRobot's product portfolio features technologies and advanced concepts in cleaning, mapping and navigation. Working from this portfolio, iRobot engineers are building robots and smart home devices to help consumers make their homes easier to maintain and healthier places to live. For more information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com.

For iRobot Investors
Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, iRobot Corporation's expectations concerning management's plans, objectives and strategies, including strategies for defending the Company's intellectual property. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. iRobot undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by iRobot, see the disclosure contained in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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SOURCE iRobot Corporation

FAQ

What was the recent decision regarding iRobot and SharkNinja?

On October 11, 2022, a judge ruled in favor of iRobot in a patent case against SharkNinja, suggesting a ban on certain products.

When is the final ITC determination expected for iRobot's case?

The final determination by the ITC Commissioners is expected by February 2023.

What impact does the ITC ruling have on iRobot's stock (IRBT)?

The ruling could positively impact iRobot's market position and investor confidence, potentially influencing stock performance.

How does the ruling affect SharkNinja's products?

The ruling recommends barring the importation of certain infringing SharkNinja robotic cleaning products.

Is this the first time iRobot received an exclusion order at the ITC?

No, this is iRobot's second exclusion order against respondents at the ITC.