Opening Summary
September 2026 Update (checked October 24, 2026): In its September 17 announcement, JOOLA reported a settlement with Friday concerning Propulsion Core technology. According to JOOLA, Friday agreed to pay royalties, immediately stop manufacturing the affected paddles, replace those lines, and sell existing inventory into the fall with JOOLA's Propulsion Core patent numbers marked on the products. The announcement does not identify specific Friday models, patent numbers, royalty rates, or full licensing terms.
JOOLA also reported that nine of the original eleven brands had settled, consented to relief, or failed to respond, with proceedings continuing against two others. These are different procedural outcomes, not nine settlements. This update describes a party's announcement of settlement terms, not a court ruling on infringement or a legal conclusion about all foam-core paddles.
The JOOLA patent lawsuit does not mean every foam core pickleball paddle is risky. It does mean brands should be more careful about Core Structure similarity, marketing claims, target markets, and how they choose an OEM/ODM partner before starting a high-performance paddle project.
Build the development plan around Core Structure, Construction Method, Surface Material, Surface Finish, Shape & Mold, Performance Variables, budget, and target market.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Item | Higher-Risk Direction | More Practical Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Product idea | “Make it like a famous paddle” | Start from player type, performance target, and brand positioning |
| Core Structure | Brand-specific internal cavity, gap, filler, or frame-like structure copied from a known model | Mature standard mold options, differentiated foam-core configurations, PP Honeycomb, composite cores, or original development |
| Marketing language | “Same as JOOLA,” “Propulsion Core alternative,” “Gen 3 copy” | Control, Power, Balanced, material choices, construction details, and player fit |
| New brand strategy | Spend heavily on a new structure before proving demand | Use proven configurations first, then differentiate through graphics, Surface Material, Surface Finish, colors, accessories, and packaging |
| OEM partner behavior | Promises “no risk” or claims to make products for famous brands | Explains risk levels, protects client privacy, and avoids misleading brand claims |
For reference only as of the publication date; if official or legal information changes, official records should prevail. This article is not legal advice.
What Happened in the JOOLA Patent Lawsuit?
In April 2026, JOOLA announced patent infringement litigation against multiple pickleball paddle brands, saying the dispute involved its patent-protected propulsion core technology. Public records also show that the matter reached the U.S. International Trade Commission, where import-related remedies may become part of the discussion.
That makes the case important for paddle brands, especially those developing high-performance foam-core paddles for the U.S. market.
WERiDON Factory Note: Why We Did Not Publish a Fast Reaction
WERiDON has followed this case closely since the news first came out in April. Many brand customers also discussed it with us, especially around advanced foam-core paddles, high-power thermoformed construction, Gen 3-style development, Gen 4-style development, and OEM/ODM projects for different markets.
We waited to focus on the development decisions behind the news: Core Structure, market exposure, marketing language, budget, and long-term product strategy. This article presents WERiDON's factory-side analysis of those decisions.
Does This Mean All Foam Core Paddles Are Risky?
No. Foam core is not one single technology.
A paddle may use foam, EVA, EPP, PMI, MPP, edge reinforcement, full-foam construction, or a multi-material system without being the same type of Core Structure involved in a brand-specific patent dispute.
The higher-risk direction is copycat-style engineering, particularly when the internal structure, performance claims, marketing language, and visual positioning closely follow a known paddle model.
Higher-Risk Core Structures: What Brands Should Be Careful With
| Risk Level | Project Situation | WERiDON Factory View |
|---|---|---|
| High Risk | Directly copying a famous paddle’s internal Core Structure | Not recommended without professional IP review, especially for the U.S. market |
| High Risk | Marketing a paddle as “same as JOOLA,” “Propulsion Core alternative,” or “Gen 3 copy” | Avoid this language. It creates unnecessary risk and weakens brand credibility |
| Medium-High Risk | Internal cavity, gap, filler, or frame-like structure designed to closely follow a known model | Requires careful review before sampling or mass production |
| Medium Risk | High-performance foam-core paddle with Thermoformed One-Piece construction and edge reinforcement | Risk depends on the specific Core Structure, target market, and marketing claims |
| Lower Risk | Mature standard mold options, PP Honeycomb, broad foam-core configurations, multi-material composite cores, or original structures with different design logic | More practical for many brands, but still should be selected carefully |
These risk levels are WERiDON's development guidance, not patent clearance opinions. A standard mold, different core material, or independently developed structure does not by itself establish non-infringement or freedom to operate. Qualified counsel should review the relevant patent claims, specific product, and target market; factory technical advice does not replace that review.
Foam Core Is a Category, Not One Single Structure
A full-foam core, a multi-material foam system, a foam-reinforced edge, a honeycomb core with added filler, and a thermoformed paddle with perimeter reinforcement may all involve foam in some way. But they are different Core Structure categories.
For OEM/ODM development, brands should evaluate:
- Core Structure: honeycomb, foam, composite, layered, reinforced, or hybrid system
- Construction Method: Thermoformed One-Piece, Cold Press Cutting, or another controlled process
- Surface Material: T300, T700, T800, 3K carbon, 12K carbon, fiberglass, Kevlar, titanium mesh carbon, or other material systems
- Surface Finish: Peel Ply (Cloth-Texture) Matte Finish, Grit Coated, or Glossy
- Shape & Mold: standard, elongated, widebody, edgeless, hybrid, training, or custom mold
- Performance Variables: thickness, weight range, swing weight, balance, stiffness, dwell time, power, control, and feel
A better starting question is not “Can you make the same one?”
It is: “What player are we designing for, and what performance profile should this paddle deliver?”
Practical Development and Differentiation Options for OEM Brands
For established brands with stronger R&D budgets, a new Core Structure, material system, or Shape & Mold can support product ownership and long-term differentiation. Full original development can require tooling, repeated sampling, material testing, approval planning, packaging development, and a longer launch timeline.
For small or mid-sized brands still testing demand, a mature standard mold may be a more practical starting point. A well-planned configuration can differentiate through:
- Materials and construction: Core Structure, Construction Method, Surface Material, and Surface Finish selection.
- Playing characteristics: weight range, handle length, grip feel, and Control, Power, or Balanced positioning.
- Visual design: paddle graphics, color systems, edge guard color, handle ring, and End Cap.
- Presentation: accessories, retail packaging, or gift packaging.
| Brand Goal | Practical Route |
|---|---|
| Entry-level launch | Standard mold + PP Honeycomb + strong graphics + clear price positioning |
| Premium retail line | T700 Surface Material + Grit Coated + color-matched edge guard + upgraded packaging |
| Corporate gift project | Stable standard configuration + custom artwork + paddle cover + gift box + accessory bundle |
| Performance-focused brand | Thermoformed One-Piece + selected foam-core configuration + internal testing + tighter weight control |
| Softer or quieter feel | Foam or hybrid Core Structure + comfort-focused positioning |
| Strong visual identity | Custom graphics, Surface Finish, edge color, grip color, handle ring, End Cap, and packaging system |
What a Responsible OEM/ODM Partner Should Do
A responsible OEM/ODM partner should explain development tradeoffs and match the project scope to the brand's resources, rather than pushing every customer into expensive new development or promising risk-free structures. Its support should cover:
- Target market, sales channel, price point, and order quantity.
- Core Structure, Construction Method, Surface Material, Surface Finish, and Shape & Mold requirements.
- Sample testing and the USA Pickleball Approved or UPA-A pathway.
- Structure similarity, marketing claims, and whether professional IP review is needed before launch.
WERiDON does not encourage copying protected paddle structures or using another brand's product story as the basis for development. We protect confidential designs, unpublished product plans, packaging concepts, and market strategies, and do not use private customer information or claims of manufacturing for famous brands to win orders. See our OEM/ODM Intellectual Property Protection Policy for the scope and limitations of these commitments.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Strong R&D budget and a long-term roadmap: consider original Core Structure or platform development.
- New brand or uncertain demand: start with a mature standard mold configuration that fits the intended player and price tier.
- High-performance foam-core project for the U.S. market: include structure-specific IP review in the development decision before bulk production.
FAQ
1. Does the JOOLA lawsuit mean all foam core pickleball paddles are risky?
No. Risk depends on the specific product, relevant patent claims, and target market, not simply whether the paddle contains foam.
2. Can a brand still develop foam core or hybrid core paddles?
Yes. Document the Core Structure, Construction Method, material stack-up, testing logic, and design decisions, with original engineering rather than a copied competitor structure.
3. Should every new brand avoid Gen 3-style power paddles?
Not necessarily. Define the intended feel and performance, then select Core Structure, Surface Material, Composite Engineering, Surface Finish, and Shape & Mold around those goals.
4. How can OEM/ODM buyers reduce IP risk in paddle development?
Document independent design decisions, review patent-sensitive structures and relevant claims, and resolve legal questions with qualified counsel.
5. Does WERiDON provide legal advice on patent risk?
No. WERiDON can support material selection, configuration review, prototypes, testing, and manufacturing alternatives. Patent clearance and other legal questions require qualified counsel.
6. What should brands prepare before developing a foam core paddle?
Prepare the target performance profile, price tier, Core Structure, Construction Method, Surface Material, Surface Finish, Shape & Mold requirements, intended market, and sample testing plan. Include IP review where relevant.
Sources and Reference Notes
The official announcements and legal materials below support the litigation facts discussed in this article. The development recommendations represent WERiDON's factory-side analysis.
For subsequent developments, see JOOLA's September 14 progress statement and September 17 Friday settlement announcement. The September 14 statement distinguished settlements or consent from a request for default judgment against Diadem; a request is not an entered judgment. The June 29 court order in Sport Squad v. Friday Labs stayed the federal action pending the related ITC proceeding; it did not decide infringement.
- JOOLA official statement: JOOLA Patent Infringement Litigation Statement
- U.S. Federal Register / ITC notice: Certain Pickleball Paddles, DN 3898
Final Thoughts
The JOOLA dispute reinforces a practical OEM/ODM principle: define your own performance goals, document configuration choices, and build appropriate testing and IP review into development. Foam-core projects should be assessed individually rather than judged as one legal category.
Need help developing an original paddle configuration?
If you are planning a foam core, hybrid core, or high-performance paddle project, WERiDON can help review materials, structure, mold direction, testing requirements, and production feasibility before sampling. Legal questions should be reviewed by qualified counsel.
