Asetek Sues Cooler Master for Patent Infringement

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Asetek is suing Cooler Master over the design of water coolers.

Following the release of Cooler Master's Seidon series of water coolers, many commentators noted the similarities between it and Asetek's own range of cooling systems. Asetek evidently felt that the similarities were a tad too uncanny and has filed suit against Cooler Master. Specifically the suit (Civil Action No. 3:13-cv-00457-JSC) alleges that Cooler Master violated patent numbers 8,240,362 and 8,245,764 (pictured below) and is seeking the following through a trial by jury:

  • Cease & desist on production and sale of the Cooler Master Seidon 120M, 120XL and 240M
  • Actual damages pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 284
  • Treble damages due to Cooler Master's "willful copyright infringement"
  • Payment of Asestek's costs and attorney fees

Aside from the case's clear financial implications, a verdict for Asestek could solidify their dominance of the liquid cooling market which would in turn reduce the market's competitiveness and overall consumer choice. Judging by Asetek's similar lawsuit against CoolIT, it seems probable that the companies could resolve this dispute through a patent licensing agreement.

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Niels Broekhuijsen
Niels Broekhuijsen

Niels Broekhuijsen is a Contributing Writer for Tom's Hardware US. He reviews cases, water cooling and pc builds.

19 Comments Comment from the forums
  • amuffin
    *sighs*

    Might as well sue Alphacool, XSPC, Swiftech, Koolance etc while you're at it.
    Reply
  • jamesedgeuk2000
    amuffin*sighs*Might as well sue Alphacool, XSPC, Swiftech, Koolance etc while you're at it.
    Why? they don't make AIO coolers that rip off Asetek's designs. (in case anyone is wondering who Asetek are they designed/make most of Corsairs AIO's and pretty much created/refined the product line).
    Reply
  • sooyong94
    Asetek: The patent troll of closed-loop PC cooling systems.
    Reply
  • Lutfij
    I hear ya amuffin mate - if watercooling can be patented like Apple does I might as well hurl a brick at Asetek for their rubbish products.

    * for all those reading - if a pump designed in a small chamber and the flow of water through it is worthy of a patent/law suit? Might sue all the other companies claiming to be watercooling products manufacturers.
    Reply
  • -Jackson
    *sigh*
    This patent is almost as ridiculous as 95% of Apple's patents.
    Reply
  • Lutfij
    Oi jackson - where you been man? no watercooling?

    +1 to your comments but I would say 100% nothing with an Apple badge is worth patenting.
    Reply
  • demonhorde665
    -Jackson*sigh*This patent is almost as ridiculous as 95% of Apple's patents.
    my thoughts exatly how many ways can you build a closed circut liquid pump .. i'm pretty sure there arn't to many ways to go about it and it work worth a flip.
    Reply
  • -Jackson
    10486398 said:
    Oi jackson - where you been man? no watercooling?

    +1 to your comments but I would say 100% nothing with an Apple badge is worth patenting.
    I've been busy with TAFE :P
    And about watercooling.. I could get started sooner (or later) in the year since I've accumulated most of my necessary hardware.. Except for a new case and power supply.
    Did I mention I got 3 580s?

    Edit: I hate this new forum layout :(
    Emoticons are bleh, my badges have disappeared, along with my posts, and the look of the new forums don't go easy on my eyes.
    Reply
  • Lutfij
    I'm liking the new layout, true the forums ate all of my credentials and custom emoticons but the thread I have are yet available and they are acknowledging that I've been with them for 3 years :P :)
    Reply
  • -Jackson
    10486456 said:
    I'm liking the new layout, true the forums ate all of my credentials and custom emoticons but the thread I have are yet available and they are acknowledging that I've been with them for 3 years :P :)
    Where's my acknowledgement that I've been with them for 1 year. :( :lol:
    I found the red/white easier to read.
    Reply