Benzinga | Feb 5, 2021 08:36AM EST

Garmin Announces International Trade Commission Judge Issued Initial Determination Finding That Philips' Asserted Patents Were Invalid And Did Not Cover Garmin's Wearable Devices

Philips' baseless allegations rejected by International Trade Commission

Garmin(r) International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ:GRMN), today announced total victory in a trade lawsuit brought by Philips North America, LLC and Koninklijke Philips NV against Garmin. An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at the International Trade Commission (ITC) issued an initial determination on Feb. 4, 2021, finding that Philips' asserted patents were invalid and did not cover Garmin's popular wearable devices.

"Garmin is very pleased with the ALJ's initial determination and conclusion that Philips' patents are invalid and not infringed by Garmin's products," said Andrew Etkind, Garmin's vice president and General Counsel. "This result was abundantly clear from the start. Garmin has repeatedly taken a stand against meritless patent lawsuits, and it is our consistent policy to fight baseless patent claims."

The initial determination is subject to review by the ITC. Garmin was represented by a team led by Scott Stevens and Kirk Bradley of Alston & Bird LLP.