“Patent legal action is far from over” is how the Bosch Press Release below starts. The case is not expected to be over until January 2017 and the “initial determination” still has to undergo review and additional arguments from the parties. When we reported the information from SawStop’s Press Release earlier this week it admittedly sounded very much like judgement had been made and all that was left was to determine the punishment. That is not the case and we would agree with Bosch here, it was definitely a misleading press release.
Bosch takes some digs here, which for their conservative nature must mean the folks at the top are pretty furious. This seems like it is turning more into a schoolyard brawl than a legal disagreement. Patents in the US have a 20 year limits and as pointed out below there are 15 years off the clock, this market is set to open up in 5 years similar to what the oscillating market did when the Fein patent ran out. At that point Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Jet, Powermatic, Ridgid, Ryobi and everyone else will probably launch their own safety table saw versions without having to duke it out in court for years first.
Another 5 years of SawStop being the only game in town however a huge deal of course and we fully understand why they are fighting so hard. We do think SawStop makes terrific saws and has changed the market for the better, making the most dangerous tool in the shop significantly less dangerous. Their saws do speak for themselves and we think even after the patent is up they will remain a strong player in the table saw market.
What Bosch’s really wants you to know! The ongoing litigation has no effect on distributors’ ability to buy or sell Bosch REAXX table saws. REAXX cartridges, accessories and service parts are available. The Bosch commitment to provide safe products to users is critical today and in the future.
Bosch Outlines Its Position in Current Patent Litigation Against Flesh-Detecting REAXX™ Jobsite Table Saw
Patent legal action is far from over
Although Bosch does not normally discuss details of litigation because we feel it is best handled in the context of the legal proceedings, we have seen statements about litigation concerning the Bosch REAXX™ Jobsite Table Saw that give a misleading impression of what has occurred.
At this time legal proceedings are still under way. The International Trade Commission (ITC) will review the initial determination provided by the Administrative Law Judge on Sept. 9, 2016, as well as additional arguments from the parties, before it makes any decision in the matter. The commission’s decision is not expected until early January 2017. Contrary to any other implication, the patent legal proceedings are ongoing and not final.
The Bosch REAXX Jobsite Table Saw is based on patented technology developed by the Power Tool Institute and the engineering team at Robert Bosch Tool Corp. in Mount Prospect, Ill. We believe that advanced REAXX safety technology does not violate any competitor’s intellectual property rights.
It is disappointing that a competitor is continuing its campaign to stop the sale of patented REAXX technology to consumers. The patents asserted against REAXX are based on applications filed more than 15 years ago; Bosch does not believe they apply to REAXX technology. In addition, Bosch believes that if the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office had complete information it would not have issued certain patents in the first place.
Bosch has vigorously defended, and will continue to defend, its ability to make REAXX table saws available in the United States. In addition, Bosch will continue to pursue its own claim of patent infringement against the competitor filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
The ongoing litigation has no effect on distributors’ ability to buy or sell Bosch REAXX table saws. REAXX cartridges, accessories and service parts are available. The Bosch commitment to provide safe products to users is critical today and in the future.
