Hoshizaki America, Inc., a leading manufacturer of commercial ice and refrigeration equipment, has won a major legal battle against Blue Air FSE LLC and Bluenix Co., Ltd. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled that Blue Air and Bluenix violated U.S. trade laws by infringing on three of Hoshizaki’s patents related to its innovative crescent cuber ice machines.
ITC Issues Orders to Protect Hoshizaki’s Patents
To enforce its decision, the ITC has issued two key orders:
- Limited Exclusion Order: This prevents Blue Air and Bluenix from importing infringing ice machines and specific components into the United States.
- Cease and Desist Order: Blue Air, Bluenix, and their distributors are prohibited from selling, marketing, or distributing the infringing products within the U.S.
Any violation of these orders could result in enforcement proceedings and civil penalties for the companies involved.
Hoshizaki’s Commitment to Innovation and Patent Protection
Hoshizaki has long been at the forefront of ice and refrigeration technology, investing heavily in research and development.
“Innovation is the lifeblood of Hoshizaki,” said Allan Dziwoki, President of Hoshizaki America. “We invest significant resources in developing new and improved technologies for our customers. Protecting our intellectual property is essential to ensuring that we can continue to innovate and deliver the best products possible. This victory sends a clear message that we will aggressively defend our patents against infringement.”
Final ITC Ruling Strengthens Hoshizaki’s Market Position
With the ITC officially terminating its investigation, Hoshizaki secures a definitive legal win, reinforcing its leadership in the commercial ice machine industry. This decision not only protects Hoshizaki’s intellectual property but also sets a strong precedent for patent enforcement in the sector. More Information