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Are you looking for an article to know Blendtec vs Vitamix Lawsuit complete history to know the real story behind the case? If yes, you have landed at the right place.
We understand that it is challenging for you to know the absolute truth behind the case from the internet. Also, there are many biased articles with false information. However, no worries, we will provide you with an unbiased report about the dispute between Blendtec and Vitamix.
We will tell you about the complete case history of Blendtec and Vitamix Lawsuit and, later, how it affects their economy and reputation. So, without wasting time, let us get straight into it!
How Vitamix Got Accused Of Imitation?
Vitamix is a renowned private company based in Olmsted Township, U.S. They are famous for high-tech manufacturing blenders for consumers.
Blendtec is a company based in Utah, United States. They are also renowned for their cheap but high-quality blenders. The accusation of imitation arose when Blendtec sued Vitamix Corporation in February 2006.
Blendtec accused Vitamix of infringing their patent on their new best-selling “jar model.” Vitamix imitated the exact version of the jar design named “Wild Side” and launched them as their MP and XP containers.
Blendtec noticed the similarities between the products. After some research, they realized that the whole blending range was built in the same way.
After that, Blendtec claimed the infringement of a patent on their products and filed a lawsuit; first, it was just not a rumor. Later, it turned into the most significant lawsuit in Utah, United States, between the two brands.
What Is the The Period Of Lawsuit?
The Blendtec and Vitamix Lawsuit lasted for 7 long years. Yet, the case did not lose the interest of the public and media. The hearing of litigation got held in Federal Circuit Court. The case proceedings got heard by three renowned judges Pauline Newman, Alan lourie, and Sharon Prost.
Blendtec proves with evidence in court that Vitamix has irreparably harmed them by knowingly copying their product designs. So, the court gradually suspected plagiarism in the proceedings. However, Vitamix was stubbornly playing the victim in the court. They continuously denied any patent infringement.
The result of this hearing came after five years, but Vitamix filed another lawsuit. Therefore, the case got winded up after 7 years in 2013.
Who Won the Case?
Blendtec won the case against Vitamix after 5 years of the lawsuit. A Utah federal judge granted a decision against Vitamix Corporation. Again, the jury ordered Vitamix to forbid the manufacturing of copied products from Blendtec. He ordered the Vitamix Corporation to give 12.8 million dollars to the opposition. In addition, the court added 11 million dollars for additional damages.
At first, the amount was 11 million dollars for copying the same design. However, Vitamix refiled the case to ask the court to reconsider its decision. Vitamix asked for a new trial, but U.S. District Judge Tena Campbell agreed that Vitamix deliberately copied the design.
Instead of reconsideration, he increased the penalty amount by 11 million dollars along with 1.8 million dollars for prejudgment interest. As a result, Utah-based Blendtec went through legal struggles to protect its intellectual products. It brought a 24 million dollars damage award and was one of the most considerable compensations for patent rights paid in the history of Utah.
Which Product Got Copied?
Blendtec has introduced high-powered blender technology for the commercial and residential industry since 1991. In 2021, Blendtec introduced their best product named Wild side Jar. Later, Vitamix introduced the copied product with the same qualities but a different name. The product of Blendtec has a distinctive quality which is that it has five sides in a jug.
Vitamix tried multiple times to make something like that but failed. Moreover, Blendtec has introduced many products which turned out to be pretty popular among people. Vitamix’s sense of competition forced them to copy Blendtec’s work willfully.
However, unfortunately, Vitamix couldn’t get away with it, and Blendtec accused them of plagiarism. Numerous individuals examined the evidence to test the plagiarism. The jury included the trial judges, federal judges, and four patent examiners, all of whom were unbiased.
The Federal Court concluded that: “We have considered Vitamix’s remaining arguments and conclude that they are without merit. Accordingly, the judgment of the district court has affirmed.”
What Is The Effect Of Lawsuit On Both Brands?
This case was the most popular in the United States at that time. After that, it gained the international media’s attention. This case involved two worldwide electronic gadget corporations, and it affected their whole life. An organization flourishes when many people trust its brand name.
Moreover, it was the worst time for Vitamix because it lost its brand name and customer trust. Even before this, Vitamix was already considered a high-cost brand for mediocre people. Vitamix lost their customers due to defamation of their goods and products. In addition, the stock prices of corporations hit rock bottom.
However, it was an emerging time for the Blendtec Corporation. They came to the front page as a reliable and competitive business group. First, they got 23 million dollars along with winning the patent right on their product. Then, in July 2013, Blendtec won the Gold Innovation Award for innovations.
Also, their economy increases, and they made an immense fortune at that time. Later, Tom Dickson was the one who builds the wild jar, and he said:
“This decision sends a strong message to those who would attempt to profit from the labor and ideas of someone else. Indeed, it’s a win for America’s innovators and entrepreneurs, who relive their dreams and positively impact the economy,
Which One Is Better Between Blendtec And Vitamix?
Firstly, we are going to talk about the feature and purposes of Blendtec and Vitamix blenders.
Blendtec
- Blendtec has a 1560 watt and 3.0 peak horsepower motor.
- It contains a 4 sided two-quart BPA -free blending jar.
- The jar has 3 doubled winged-tipped blades.
- It has 6 programmed cycles.
- You can manage speed in Blendtec. It has 10 manual speeds along with a pulse option and automatically turn-off option.
- It has three years warranty. It has less warranty than other products, but it’s highly reliable, so it doesn’t matter.
Blendtec does not need a plunger to push down the food. Although, it has pre-programmed cyclic motions, including blending, crushing, and grinding. Blades have got designed in a downward direction which blends efficiently.
In addition, it saves your fingers from cuts while washing them. Finally, its designs make it easy to pull ingredients towards itself for grinding instead of swirling the ingredients.
It creates a smooth, silky texture regardless of any hard beans and ingredients. It is easily washable; by adding water and soap, your job will get done here. Although, the control panel does not need washing. Just wipe it with a wet cloth. Blendtec is a user-friendly product.
Vitamix
- It has 12 volts of power and a 2.2 horsepower motor.
- It has laser-cut, stainless-steel hammer mill blades.
- It provides 10 variable speed manual.
- It has a radial cooling fan and thermal protection system.
- It has 7 years of guarantee.
The top blades of Vitamix can spin at 37000 revolutions per minute. Also, Vitamix can easily convert dense ingredients into a smooth drink. In addition, it alleviates air pockets develop during blending. Also, it can easily operatable with a two-button and one dial. At the same time, most of the blending machines use both levers as a dial which may be a bit challenging to use.
In addition, Vitamix micronizes your food enclosing all the pulp, fiber, skins, seeds, cores of fruit, and vegetables within the food. In comparison, ordinary blenders give food in cellular form due to less powerful blades.
You cannot only blend juices in Vitamix. In addition, you can blend the mixtures of soup, dough, gluten-free cake mixture, which is not possible with a simple blender. Along with all these benefits, it has a simple structure to wash the whole thing quickly. In comparison, Blendtec blenders need washing because all the food gets stuck in the blades and the seal. Moreover, the standard blender requires more effort for cleaning.
Vitamix is excellent for blending hard ingredients to make smoothies. Blendtec is ideal for maintaining the silkiness of ingredients. Both are convenient in use. Most people highly recommend buying Blendtec products because they are affordable.
In short, Blendtec is way better than Vitamix in many ways. The biggest perk of Blendtec is that you can have the same quality product as Vitamix but at a cheaper price.
Conclusion
Summing it up, it is still one of the most prominent court cases between two big blending brands in the kitchen industry. The court case ended in seven years. Vitamix ended up paying a compensation fee due to plagiarizing the intellectual asset of Blendtec.
After reviewing this article, hopefully, now you know the complete details of the Blendtec vs. Vitamix Lawsuit.