Hoshizaki America, Inc., a leading manufacturer of commercial ice and refrigeration equipment, has won a significant legal battle against Blue Air FSE LLC and Bluenix Co., Ltd. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) issued its final determination that Blue Air and Bluenix violated U.S. international trade law by infringing three of Hoshizaki’s U.S. patents covering innovative technology used in Hoshizaki’s crescent cuber ice machines. The ITC therefore issued two key orders to enforce its decision:
- A Limited Exclusion Order that prevents Blue Air and Bluenix from importing the infringing ice machines and specific components that have been determined to infringe Hoshizaki‘s patents.
- A Cease and Desist Order that prohibits Blue Air, Bluenix and its distributors from importing into the United States, and selling, marketing, or distributing the infringing ice machines and components in the United States.
Violation of these orders could subject Blue Air and Bluenix to enforcement proceedings which could result in civil penalties.
Hoshizaki invests heavily in research and development to create cutting-edge ice and refrigeration technology. “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.”
The ITC has now terminated its investigation, solidifying Hoshizaki’s win.
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.
