​Rottefella and Amer Sports Reach Settlement After Patent Dispute – Sign Global Licensing Agreement

Rottefella and Amer Sports Reach Settlement After Patent Dispute – Sign Global Licensing Agreement

The solution comes in the wake of a recent ruling from the Oslo District Court, where Rottefella won in a patent case against Amer Sports. Rottefella had also won a similar case against Amer Sports in 2023. The parties have now entered into an agreement that ends a years-long patent dispute over movable binding systems for cross-country skis.

The licensing agreement ensures that Rottefella's patents are respected globally while also meeting the needs of the sports industry and professional athletes for the upcoming winter season.

“This is a significant milestone for Rottefella and marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal battle to protect our patent rights. The agreement emphasizes that Rottefella has developed new products and technology for cross-country ski bindings, the result of many years of innovation. This kind of innovation requires substantial investments, and competitors must play by the rules and respect our patents,” said Torstein Myklebostad, CEO of Rottefella.

The agreement follows shortly after the Oslo District Court’s ruling, which found that the Shift and Shift Race binding systems from Atomic and Salomon infringed on Rottefella’s patent for movable binding systems for cross-country skis. The invention is based on the interaction between a mounting plate, binding, and rail that allows easy switching between different solutions. This system will also be compatible with products not yet available on the market.

“Serious players developing new technology must today protect their competitiveness and rights to safeguard the underlying investments, as Rottefella has done. In this case, the parties eventually reached a mutual resolution, which is usually the most reasonable approach,” said Halvor Manshaus, attorney at law firm Schjødt, who represented Rottefella.

The ruling from the district court prohibited the sale and marketing of the relevant products in Norway, but this was appealed to the Court of Appeal. Rottefella would then have needed to request an interim injunction from the courts to stop the unlawful use of the technology this season. However, Amer Sports took the initiative to find a solution with Rottefella.

Solution Without Consequences for Third Parties

Under the agreement, retailers of Atomic and Salomon products are allowed to sell items already in stores or ordered for the 2024/2025 season. Athletes sponsored by Atomic and Salomon can also use their skis and bindings in the upcoming season

without restrictions. This applies to both Norwegian athletes using the affected products and international athletes competing in Norway during the season. “It has been important for Rottefella and Amer Sports to find a solution that minimizes the impact on retailers and athletes. This agreement balances our patent rights with the needs of a sports industry already under pressure and athletes making final preparations for the season. We are pleased with this outcome,” said Myklebostad.

The agreement also stipulates that Amer Sports will pay Rottefella a licensing fee for the use of the technology this season, in addition to the damages awarded by the district court. The financial terms remain confidential by mutual agreement.

“Now we can look ahead and continue developing products that enhance the enjoyment and performance of skiers at all levels,” Myklebostad stated. Rottefella will now focus on its new SkateX system, which has generated significant interest.

“SkateX is the first binding system developed specifically for skating. Years of product development have gone into SkateX, and it will be a game-changer in cross-country skiing. I am convinced that this will become the new standard for skate skiing,” concluded Myklebostad.

Facts About Rottefella’s New Solutions