JOOLA Settles Patent Dispute with Paddletek and ProXR Pickleball, Establishes Royalty Agreement

Five weeks after JOOLA initiated a patent infringement lawsuit against 11 competing pickleball paddle brands, the company has reached a settlement with one of the defendants, the Paddletek Group, including its ProXR Pickleball brand.

The dispute centered on JOOLA’s propulsion core patent, which JOOLA alleged was infringed by certain Paddletek and ProXR paddle models. Specifically, the settlement covers the Paddletek Reserve, HoneyFoam™, and ProXR Signature Jolt paddles.

Under the terms of the agreement, both Paddletek and ProXR Pickleball will incorporate JOOLA’s propulsion core patent number on the relevant products and remit royalty payments to JOOLA. Additionally, the brands are permitted to sell through a designated inventory allotment of the affected products before phasing them out by the fall season.

JOOLA’s CEO, Richard Lee, expressed appreciation for the cooperative resolution, stating, “We are grateful Paddletek and ProXR Pickleball chose to resolve this matter in a spirit of mutual respect. This is what principled competition looks like. Both companies have deep roots in this sport and we appreciate their willingness to acknowledge JOOLA’s Intellectual Property.”

Ron Saslow, CEO of Paddletek Group, echoed this sentiment in a statement, emphasizing the company’s commitment to intellectual property protection. He said, “We are pleased to have worked with the team at JOOLA cooperatively to reach a fast resolution on these disputed claims that allows us to stay focused on what matters most—supporting our consumers, our distributors, and our world-class athletes.”

Saslow also noted that the dispute involves only a limited portion of Paddletek’s product line and expressed optimism about future product launches outside the contested technology.

This settlement pertains solely to Paddletek and ProXR Pickleball, two of the 11 brands named in JOOLA’s April 7, 2026, patent infringement filing. The ongoing litigation before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) against the remaining nine respondents remains unaffected.

Lee underscored the importance of protecting innovation within the sport, stating, “Pickleball is built on innovation, and innovation only thrives when it is protected. We appreciate Paddletek Group working with us to find a mutually amenable outcome.”

The resolution highlights the role of intellectual property enforcement in the evolving pickleball equipment market, balancing competitive dynamics with respect for patented technology.

Alex, The Dink’s Digital Content Manager, reported on the settlement. His interests have shifted from hiking and travel to focusing on pickleball.