Patent Attorney and Founder
Hey everyone, JD Houvener here from Bold Patents Law Firm.
So, some big news came down from the Federal Circuit, that’s the court right below the Supreme Court, and it involves… dumbbells. Yep, the kind you lift at the gym.
The case? iFit vs. Rogue Fitness.
If you’ve ever used adjustable dumbbells, the kind where you slide or click to change the weight, this is about those. The patent behind that design dates all the way back to 2006, with the non-provisional filing in 2007, and it’s set to expire in 2027.
Here’s what happened:
- A district court in Utah said the patent was invalid.
- Their reasoning? They thought it was too abstract, just the general idea of changing weights.
- But the Federal Circuit stepped in and said, “Hold on.” They found that the patent actually describes real, physical structure, not just a concept.
That means Rogue Fitness, which owns the “PowerBlock” style dumbbells, just scored a major win. And iFit? They might take it up to the Supreme Court next.
So why does this matter? Because it’s a solid reminder for inventors and patent owners: when your invention has clear, structural features, especially in mechanical designs, you’re on much firmer ground.
Cases like this help us as patent attorneys write stronger, more defensible applications for our clients. It’s not just about the idea, it’s about the details that make it real.
If you’re working on an invention and you’re not sure whether it’s “too abstract” or truly mechanical, let’s talk. Book a free discovery call at Bold Patents, and we’ll walk you through it.
I’m JD Houvener, owner and founder of Bold Patents Law Firm.
Stay bold. Stay curious.
And if you’re lifting today, maybe give those dumbbells a little extra respect. 💪