Bicycle Saddle Patent Litigation

Several bicycle manufacturers around the world have found themselves under attack from an Australian company, Icon-IP, that is suing for infringement of two bicycle saddle patents.

Icon IP had previously twice sued Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. in 2013 in US courts for its use of a split saddle. Specialized, of course, makes many of the components it uses on its own bicycles, the seat included. Split saddles, those with split noses, or with longitudinal central slots, have become much more popular in the last 5-10 years, with many manufacturers now offering such saddles stock with a new bicycle. Specialized successfully dismissed one of those suits and settled another.

Now Icon IP is suing Merida Industry and well-known saddle manufacturer Selle Royal in Germany for infringement, and has given notice to Giant Bicycles that it may also be receiving a legal complaint.