Hoshizaki America, Inc. Wins Initial Ruling in Ice Machine Patent Dispute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOSHIZAKI AMERICA, INC. WINS INITIAL RULING IN ICE MACHINE PATENT DISPUTE

PEACHTREE CITY, GA (SEPTEMBER 17, 2024) – Hoshizaki America, a leading manufacturer of commercial ice and refrigeration equipment, has received a favorable initial determination in its patent infringement case against competitor Blue Air FSE LLC and its parent company, Bluenix Co., Ltd.

Key Developments

Ruling Details: After a week-long hearing, the Chief Administrative Law Judge at the International Trade Commission (ITC) found that Blue Air and Bluenix violated U.S. trade law by importing and selling ice machines that infringe three of Hoshizaki's patents.

Patent Validity: The judge upheld the validity of Hoshizaki's patents, rejecting Respondants’ arguments that Hoshizaki’s patents are invalid as not innovative.

Recommended Action: The judge has recommended 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.
A related lawsuit is ongoing in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Company Response

Allan Dziwoki, Hoshizaki America's President, expressed satisfaction with the initial ruling, stating, "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 centers around Hoshizaki's patented crescent cuber evaporator design, which is used in ice-making systems. The company alleges that Blue Air and Bluenix's BLMI and BLUI series ice machines infringe these patents. This case highlights the importance of intellectual property protection in the competitive commercial kitchen equipment industry.

About Hoshizaki America

Hoshizaki America, Inc., a member of the Hoshizaki Group, is a leader in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of a wide range of products for the foodservice industry including ice machines, refrigerators, freezers, prep tables, display cases and dispensers. With headquarters in Peachtree City, Georgia and a second manufacturing facility in Griffin, Georgia, Hoshizaki America employs over 900 people nationwide. Hoshizaki's attention to detail, continuous innovation, and commitment to the highest standards ensures its customers have exceptional quality products. Hoshizaki has earned ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence multiple years in a row for superior energy efficiency achievements.

As a member of Hoshizaki Alliance — a group of independent companies driven by a shared mission to cater to customer needs with original, top-tier offerings — Hoshizaki America contributes to a collective evolution of Hoshizaki as a whole with products and services that enhance the lives of their customers.

Hoshizaki Corporation, the head office of the Hoshizaki Group is located in Aichi, Japan. For more information, visit Hoshizaki America at hoshizakiamerica.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Media Contact:

Sally Ray

Vice President of Marketing

marketing@hoshizaki.com

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