1851

FLORENCE, KY —<a href="https://www.kona-ice.com/shaved-ice-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kona-ice-triumphs-in-major-patent-infringement-lawsuit-protecting-franchisees-with-strong-ip-portfolio-2726991" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Kona Ice</a>, the shaved ice franchise and self-proclaimed “world’s largest food truck company” with over 2,000 trucks operating across all 50 states, has successfully defended its innovative technology and protected its franchisees in a major patent infringement lawsuit. The lawsuit concluded with a decisive victory against Florida-based competitor Tikiz, resulting in a $532,905 verdict for Kona Ice.The lawsuit, which was initiated in 2017, targeted Tikiz and its franchisees for infringing a Kona Ice patent, which is part of Kona Ice’s extensive portfolio of intellectual property, including multiple trademarks, copyrights, and U.S. patents. The legal battle was consolidated in a multi-district litigation, and culminated in June 2024 federal court in Miami, where a jury found Tikiz liable for willful patent infringement.“As the old saying goes, ‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’... unless they have patents!” said<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-lamb-81a158202/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kona-ice-triumphs-in-major-patent-infringement-lawsuit-protecting-franchisees-with-strong-ip-portfolio-2726991" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Tony Lamb</a>, CEO of Kona Ice. “There is plenty of room in the industry, just don’t copy us. We wanted our day in court with our legal system and a jury deciding our fate.”Even before the trial, the court reaffirmed the validity of Kona Ice’s U.S. Patent No. 9,751,447, which covers the unique design and functionality of its mobile shaved ice vehicles, ensuring efficient customer service and high satisfaction as customers can select their preferred shaved ice flavoring. Kona Ice’s attorney highlighted the importance of the company’s IP, stating “Through the tireless efforts of its family of employees, Kona Ice has invented and developed unique solutions for the problems faced by franchisees and customers requiring efficient mobile shaved ice vehicles.”This victory marks the culmination of a decade-long series of victories over Tikiz, which included multiple instances of admitted infringement and settlement payments. The recent court proceedings not only confirmed the validity of Kona Ice’s patent, but also rejected all of Tikiz’s defenses, including failed arguments of invalidity, non-infringement, and other defenses.Kona Ice’s triumph in court sends a strong message to the industry about the importance of protecting intellectual property. “When a Kona Ice truck pulls up, every kid says, ‘I want some of that,’ and every adult says, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’“ said Lamb. “Our business has flourished for the last 18 years because of our commitment to innovation and the unique experience we offer.”With the jury’s determination of willful infringement, Kona Ice is positioned to request triple damages, potentially increasing the final amount owed by Tikiz to nearly $1.6 million. This outcome fortifies Kona Ice’s market position while underscoring the company’s dedication to safeguarding its franchisees’ investments and the integrity of its business model.About Kona Ice:Founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice launched its first Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) in Florence, Kentucky, offering a unique combination of cleanliness, friendliness and a one-of-a-kind experience. Today, Kona Ice has grown to more than 1,700 mobile units that serve 49 states across the country. Kona Ice has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 11 consecutive years, earning a spot on the Franchise 500 Hall of Fame, and most recently being named #1 in the “Frozen Desserts” and “Ice Cream” categories. In addition, Kona Ice was named to the Franchise Business Review Top 200 list in the overall “Top 50” and “Enterprise” categories. Other accolades include being named a “Top 100 Most Innovative Franchise” by Franchise Business Review and a “Top Franchise for Veterans.” With a commitment to giving back, Kona Ice has donated over $180 million to communities nationwide. For more on Kona Ice, visit the brand’s online Newsroom and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news. For more information about booking Kona Ice for a fundraiser or event, visit<a href="https://www.kona-ice.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kona-ice-triumphs-in-major-patent-infringement-lawsuit-protecting-franchisees-with-strong-ip-portfolio-2726991" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;www.kona-ice.com</a>. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit<a href="https://www.ownakona.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kona-ice-triumphs-in-major-patent-infringement-lawsuit-protecting-franchisees-with-strong-ip-portfolio-2726991" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;www.ownakona.com</a> or call (800) KONAICE. &nbsp;

Kona Ice IP Lawsuit - Press Release - 1851 Franchise

Kona Ice Lawsuit Victory: Protecting Intellectual Property

1851 Franchise

The shaved ice franchise successfully defended its IP in a major lawsuit against Tikiz, resulting in a $532,905 verdict and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to protecting its franchisees.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Kona Ice Triumphs in Major Patent Infringement Lawsuit, Protecting Franchisees with Strong IP Portfolio

kona-ice-triumphs-in-major-patent-infringement-lawsuit-protecting-franchisees-with-strong-ip-portfolio

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Photo of two people, with white hair, sitting on couch, smiling at each other

Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Care Services Expands in Manassas and Fredericksburg, Virginia

seniors-helping-seniors-in-home-care-services-expands-in-manassas-and-fredericksburg-virginia

BooXkeeping

Tech-Driven Bookkeeping: How BooXkeeping Franchisees Are Embracing the Future

tech-driven-bookkeeping-how-booxkeeping-franchisees-are-embracing-the-future

Fitness Premier

Fitness Premier's State-of-the-Art Facilities and Multi-Discipline Approach Fuels Franchise Owner Success

fitness-premiers-state-of-the-art-facilities-and-multi-discipline-approach-fuels-franchise-owner-success

Melting Pot

Melting Pot 50th anniversary photo, featuring three people enjoying celebratory drinks and fondue

Melting Pot Celebrates 50 Years of Fondue Magic With a Year of Special Menus, New Offerings and Unforgettable Moments

melting-pot-50th-anniversary-fondue-celebration

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

Kathy Turner: The Filta Franchisee Keeping LA's Kitchens Cooking (and Green)

kathy-turner-the-filta-franchisee-keeping-las-kitchens-cooking-and-green

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs To Retire in 2026 After 36 Years With the Company

yum-brands-ceo-david-gibbs-to-retire-in-2026-after-36-years-with-the-company

Hooters Bankruptcy - Chapter 11 - April 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Files for Bankruptcy, Sells Restaurants to Franchisee Group

hooters-bankruptcy-chapter-11-april-2025

Fly Dance Fitness Expands With First Franchise Location in Georgia

fly-dance-fitness-franchise-expansion

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

cfos-see-recession-as-likely-in-25-why-now-is-the-time-to-water-the-franchise-buyer-seeds

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

1851 Agg - McDonald's Sales Decline Expansion Continues - 1851 Franchise

McDonald’s Franchisees Feel the Pressure as Sales Decline and Expansion Continues

mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Franchise Deep Dive: Studio Pilates Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

franchise-deep-dive-studio-pilates-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Kona Ice Triumphs in Major Patent Infringement Lawsuit, Protecting Franchisees with Strong IP Portfolio

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS