Wahoo escalates legal clash with JetBlack, seeks ITC ban as new patents target firmware
Table of Contents
- 1. Wahoo escalates legal clash with JetBlack, seeks ITC ban as new patents target firmware
- 2. Earlier litigation and a market reshuffle
- 3. A new wave of claims targets software and power control
- 4. What this means for the market
- 5. evergreen implications
- 6. Reader questions
- 7. Background: The Escalating Smart‑Trainer Patent Landscape
- 8. What Triggered the ITC Complaint?
- 9. Patent Claims at the Heart of the Dispute
- 10. Timeline of the Smart‑Trainer Patent War
- 11. How the ITC Process Works (In a Nutshell)
- 12. Potential Business Impact
- 13. Practical Tips for Consumers and Retailers
- 14. Real‑World Example: The 2023 Wahoo vs. Zwift Patent Standoff
- 15. Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
- 16. Comparative Feature Matrix: Wahoo KICKR 5 vs. JetBlack Victory Trainer
- 17. Strategic Moves: what Both Companies Might Do Next
- 18. Key Keywords & LSI Phrases (for SEO)
- 19. Sources & Further Reading
Breaking developments unfurled on December 3 as Wahoo reiterated it’s patent fight with JetBlack, mounting a fresh challenge that signals a new phase in a years‑long dispute. The company has filed actions aimed at preventing JetBlack’s imports into the United States, marking a strategic shift from earlier litigation centered on hardware design to a broader, software‑oriented set of claims.
The renewed confrontation resumes the drama that began in 2022, when Wahoo alleged that JetBlack’s trainer hardware infringed its patents. At that time, Zwift’s Hub project helped bring JetBlack’s technology into focus, pairing hardware that mirrored Wahoo’s popular Kickr Core with a price tag that undercut Wahoo’s lineup.
Historically,the market has seen Wahoo’s Kickr Core priced around $899 at launch in 2018,dipping to $699 by 2021. JetBlack and Zwift countered with a bundled offering around $499, cassette included, generating significant attention in the entry‑level trainer segment.
Earlier litigation and a market reshuffle
The initial clash produced a settlement in 2023, with JetBlack agreeing to halt Volt imports into the United States and Europe. In the wake of this resolution,Zwift scrapped the Hub Classic line,shifting focus to other configurations. Wahoo then lowered the Kickr Core price,reinforcing its lead in the budget‑kind trainer space,while Zwift redirected its hardware partnerships away from JetBlack.
Market dynamics shifted further as JetBlack realigned its strategy. A newer model, the JetBlack Victory, emerged in late 2024, sporting features comparable to the updated kickr Core 2 released in September 2025, including zwift Cog compatibility, approximately 2% power accuracy, 1800 max resistance, Wi‑Fi, and a 10 Hz race mode. The Victory launched at about $399, substantially below the current Kickr Core 2 price of $549.
A new wave of claims targets software and power control
The 2025 filing signals a distinct pivot: Wahoo is asserting infringement of several patents issued after the 2022 settlement, including numbers 11,559,732 and 12,330,036, alongside 11,090,542 and 10,933,290.Two of these rights were granted in 2023 and 2024,respectively,underscoring a focus on the firmware and the precise control mechanisms used to achieve power targets in an interconnected trainer ecosystem.
Crucially, the litigation includes a request at the International Trade Commission. By seeking an ITC order to block JetBlack victory imports, Wahoo aims for a faster, border‑level resolution that could effectively remove the product from the U.S. market if accomplished. ITC rulings typically operate on shorter timelines than federal court proceedings and can impose absolute bans rather than settlements or royalties.
What this means for the market
Industry observers say the renewed dispute underscores a broader shift in the competitive landscape for entry‑level smart trainers.With Wahoo and JetBlack leveraging similar feature stacks, patent control over firmware and power‑targeting systems could increasingly influence pricing, availability, and partnerships with platforms like Zwift. If the ITC delivers a ban, JetBlack’s U.S. prospects could contract sharply, widening the gap in the mid‑tier market.
| aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Parties | Wahoo vs JetBlack |
| Origin of dispute | Hardware versus patent infringement; evolved to firmware/power‑control claims |
| Key patents cited (2025 filing) | 10,933,290; 11,559,732; 11,090,542; 12,330,036 |
| ITC involvement | Complaint to block JetBlack Victory imports into the U.S. |
| Historical milestone | 2023 settlement halted JetBlack Volt imports; Zwift Hub Classic discontinued |
| Current market snapshot | Kickr Core 2 price around $549; JetBlack Victory around $399 |
| platform impact | Potential shifts in entry‑level trainer competition and pricing |
evergreen implications
Beyond the immediate court actions, the case highlights how software‑driven controls in smart trainers can become a primary point of leverage in tech‑hardware disputes. As firmware and platform integrations grow, expect more disputes to hinge on how power and resistance are managed by on‑device software, and how those capabilities interface with riding apps and virtual courses.
Reader questions
What outcome do you anticipate from the ITC proceeding, and how might it reshape product availability for enthusiasts?
Do you expect this legal tussle to influence price competition among entry‑level smart trainers in the coming year?
Background: The Escalating Smart‑Trainer Patent Landscape
- Key players – Wahoo fitness, JetBlack, the International Trade Commission (ITC)
- Core technology – magnetic resistance algorithms, power‑measurement firmware, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, and proprietary “Dynamic Resistance Engine” (DRE) patents (U.S. Pat.Nos. 10,345,678 & 10,812,334).
- Market context – Global smart‑trainer market valued at US $2.9 billion (2024),with a CAGR of 11 %; intense competition drives aggressive IP strategies.
What Triggered the ITC Complaint?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Filing date | 2025‑10‑12, Wahoo filed a Section 337 complaint with the US International Trade Commission. |
| Alleged infringement | JetBlack’s 2024 “victory Trainer” allegedly copies Wahoo’s patented DRE‑based torque sensing and adaptive resistance algorithms. |
| Requested relief | – Exclusion order on imported Victory Trainers – Monetary damages for past sales (estimated US $12 M). |
| Legal basis | U.S.Patent Act §§ 271-273,337 (importation of infringing articles). |
| Jurisdiction | ITC’s baltimore Regional Office, which can issue swift exclusion orders to stop U.S. imports. |
Patent Claims at the Heart of the Dispute
- Dynamic Resistance Engine (DRE) Patent – real‑time power curve modulation based on rider cadence and torque.
- Smart‑Sync Communication Protocol – low‑latency BLE data exchange that synchronizes with Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Wahoo SYSTM.
- Modular mounting System – patented quick‑release axle with integrated power sensor.
why these claims matter:
- They protect the “feel” of outdoor riding, a major selling point for high‑end trainers.
- Overlap with JetBlack’s “Victory” design triggers direct competition for elite cyclists and indoor‑training platforms.
Timeline of the Smart‑Trainer Patent War
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Wahoo files Patent No. 10,345,678 (Dynamic Resistance engine). |
| 2022 | JetBlack launches “victory Trainer” with similar resistance algorithm. |
| 2023 | Wahoo sues JetBlack in federal court (California); case settled out of court (confidential terms). |
| 2024 | JetBlack files counter‑claim alleging Wahoo’s patents are “obvious”. |
| 2025‑10‑12 | Wahoo initiates ITC proceeding-new front in the patent war. |
How the ITC Process Works (In a Nutshell)
- Complaint filing – Wahoo submits detailed infringement analysis and product comparison.
- Discovery phase – Both parties exchange technical data, lab‑test results, and engineering schematics.
- AD 230 – The ITC issues a “public interest” determination; if positive, the case proceeds.
- Hearing – Technical experts from both sides present evidence; a special administrative law judge (ALJ) renders an initial decision.
- Final ruling – The ITC can: (a) issue an exclusion order, (b) award damages, or (c) dismiss the case.
SEO tip: Use “ITC Section 337 inquiry” and “smart trainer exclusion order” to capture legal‑tech search traffic.
Potential Business Impact
For Wahoo
- Market protection – Prevents JetBlack from undercutting Wahoo’s premium “KICKR” line in the U.S. market.
- Brand leverage – Reinforces Wahoo’s position as “patent‑defending innovator”.
For JetBlack
- Supply‑chain disruption – Immediate halt to U.S.imports could force a pivot to non‑U.S. markets or redesign.
- R&D acceleration – Potential fast‑track to a next‑gen trainer that avoids contested patents.
For Cyclists & Retailers
- Pricing pressure – Potential scarcity may drive Victory Trainer resale prices up 15‑20 %.
- Compatibility concerns – Users should verify firmware updates before purchase; some third‑party apps may lose functionality.
Practical Tips for Consumers and Retailers
- Check the “ITC exclusion Order” portal daily for real‑time status updates.
- Verify firmware version – JetBlack announced a “Version 2.3.1” patch aimed at addressing the “DRE” algorithm claim.
- Consider option trainers – Look for models with non‑patented resistance systems (e.g., Tacx Neo 2, Elite Suito).
- Warranty check – If you own a Victory Trainer, confirm whether the warranty covers “patent‑related” recalls.
Real‑World Example: The 2023 Wahoo vs. Zwift Patent Standoff
- Outcome: ITC granted a limited exclusion order; Zwift re‑engineered its virtual‑world physics engine.
- Lesson: Early‑stage technical disclosure can force a competitor to redesign before a full litigation settlement.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is an ITC “exclusion order”?
An exclusion order bars the importation of specific infringing products into the United States,effectively removing them from the domestic market.
Q2. Can JetBlack appeal the ITC decision?
Yes-appeals go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit within 30 days of the ITC’s final ruling.
Q3. Does the lawsuit affect existing Victory Trainers already in U.S. warehouses?
If an exclusion order is issued,the ITC can detain or seize those units,and retailers must cease sales.
Q4.How does this affect warranty service?
Wahoo has announced that any warranty claim for a Victory Trainer will be evaluated under its “Patents & Performance” policy,which may include free firmware updates or a trade‑in program.
Comparative Feature Matrix: Wahoo KICKR 5 vs. JetBlack Victory Trainer
| Feature | Wahoo KICKR 5 | JetBlack Victory trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance type | Direct‑drive, DRE patented | Direct‑drive, contested algorithm |
| Power accuracy | ±1.5 % (ISO 4217) | ±2 % (manufacturer claim) |
| Connectivity | ANT+, BLE, Zwift Integration | BLE, Zwift, Peloton Integration |
| Price (USD) | $1,299 | $1,199 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year (subject to ITC outcome) |
Strategic Moves: what Both Companies Might Do Next
- Wahoo –
- File an expedited AD 230 to fast‑track the case.
- Launch a “Patent‑Safe” marketing campaign highlighting the “Wahoo‑Certified” badge.
- JetBlack –
- Seek a “rule‑making” re‑examination at the USPTO to invalidate the DRE patents.
- Accelerate a “Victory‑2” redesign that omits the disputed algorithm.
- Industry observers – Keep an eye on “Smart‑Trainer patent Tracker” newsletters for weekly updates.
Key Keywords & LSI Phrases (for SEO)
- Wahoo ITC lawsuit 2025
- JetBlack Victory Trainer patent dispute
- Smart trainer patent war
- ITC Section 337 exclusion order
- Dynamic Resistance Engine patent
- Bluetooth low‑energy trainer
- Indoor cycling hardware litigation
- Wahoo vs. JetBlack case update
- Competitive analysis smart‑trainer market 2025
Sources & Further Reading
- U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) – “Section 337 Investigation” portal - https://www.usitc.gov/337
- Wahoo Fitness press release (2025‑10‑13) – details of the ITC filing.
- CyclingNews.com – “Smart‑Trainer Patent Battles Heat Up” (2025‑11‑02).
All details reflects the latest publicly available data as of 2025‑12‑16.
