Koroyd Wins in German Patent Infringement Lawsuit

After a 15-month legal battle in a German court, Koroyd – pioneers of innovative protective solutions – announced victory in the District Court of Düsseldorf in its patent infringement case against sports brand, Burton. The decision concludes Burton violated EP 1 694 152 patent in Germany by producing and selling the registered Anon-branded WaveCel snow helmets that imitate Koroyd’s patented technology.

For the past decade, Koroyd has curated a brand identity synonymous with its core purpose and flagship technology; an iconic green, an open-cell system using welded tubes that crumple instantly on impact. Known internationally as “The Ultimate Damage Control System,” Koroyd’s technology is integrated into products across a range of industries including action sports, industrial, motorcycle, aviation, child safety systems and vehicle interiors.

Koroyd believes that when intellectual property rights are disregarded it creates confusion in the market, limits consumer choices and threatens future advancements for all by undermining the value of true R&D.

“We are pleased to receive this positive judgment from the District Court of Düsseldorf which confirms that Burton is infringing one of our patents in Germany with their Anon helmets which use Wavecel material,” said John Lloyd, founder and managing director of Koroyd. “The judge has approved a remedy of removal of Anon’s infringing helmets and stock from sale in Germany. Koroyd is also entitled to be awarded damages and legal fees and Koroyd will now begin enforcing the judgment. Alongside an extensive IP portfolio protecting our innovation, we also have a robust global enforcement policy which has now delivered a win for our R&D team and all of our trusted partners.”

A similar patent infringement action against Burton, filed jointly by Koroyd and Smith Sport Optics, remains active and ongoing in U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado addressing Burton’s alleged infringement of jointly-owned U.S. Patent No.10,736, 373 based on selling and importing Anon-branded snow helmets that incorporate WaveCel technology in the United States.

Burton has the right to appeal the District Court of Düsseldorf’s decision and has filed a nullity action against the patent which has not yet been decided.