Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Restoration and Remediation Industry News

RIA vs. ThermaPure Update

For RIA members and the industry at large, this argument by the Defendants removes the threat of litigation, licensing demands and potential lawsuits on all of the remaining patents owned by ThermaPure, TPE Associates or Hedman other than the '812 Patent.

ria logo red white
November 6, 2013

ria logo red whiteIn January 2013, RIA filed suit in U.S. District Court against David Hedman and ThermaPure in an effort to invalidate a family of patents held by ThermaPure, TPE Associates, and Hedman. Many RIA members have been sued by ThermaPure and accused of infringing at least one of the patents, U.S. Patent No. 6,327,812. Additionally, many RIA members have paid to license all the patents, either as a condition of settling litigation or to avoid litigating in the first instance.

According to court documents, "ThermaPure has initiated at least 17 lawsuits asserting infringement of the '812 Patent since 2010, some of which involve Restoration Industry members." RIA leadership reviewed all eight issued patents owned by the three defendants. Additional patent applications owned by the defendants are still pending at the USPTO. Of the eight patents, one involved a process that was determined to not affect the restoration industry. The seven remaining patents were all identified to be interrelated with and expand upon claims from the original '812 Patent. RIA members had received either litigation threats or licensing demands, or both, as to one or more of those seven patents.

In view of the pattern of litigation and licensing demands, RIA's leadership believed there was enough cause to act on behalf of the industry and prevent any future action from ThermaPure, TPE Associates, and Hedman against restoration professionals.

In a recent decision, Judge James V. Selna, U.S. District Court, Central District of California, granted a motion to dismiss brought by ThermaPure, TPE Associates and Hedman as to the seven patents which have only been the subject of license demands to industry professionals, but not litigation. In asking the Court to not rule on the validity of those seven patents, defendants argued that the public records cited by RIA reflected that they had never "accused anyone of infringing any claim" of the seven patents. Defendants further argued that the public records of their activities did not show that they accused any RIA member of engaging in any infringing activity except as to the '812 Patent.

Defendants argued that since they had never sought to enforce those other patents and there is no indication at this time that they have attempted to enforce them, those counts should be dismissed. Judge Selna agreed and dismissed all patents from the case except for the '812 Patent.

For RIA members and the industry at large, this argument by the Defendants removes the threat of litigation, licensing demands and potential lawsuits on all of the remaining patents owned by ThermaPure, TPE Associates or Hedman other than the '812 Patent. The RIA leadership sees this as a major victory for RIA members and the restoration industry at large. Should ThermaPure, TPE Associates or Hedman attempt to take action against the industry for any of the dismissed patents, RIA stands ready to alert the Court that Defendants have renewed their demands as to all the patents and thereby put them all at issue for a declaration of invalidity.

To ensure its members reap the benefits of this decision, RIA continues to monitor for any attempt by these Defendants to demand licenses, threaten to sue or take any other action to enforce any of the dismissed patents.

RIA is also providing to the industry all available documents pertinent to the suit against ThermaPure, TPE Associates, and Hedman. Currently there are 74 court documents and filings totaling 727 pages, 14 international patents that pre-date the 812 Patent, documentation on the related patents, and information on pending applications. Here are the links to the full complement of documents:

  1. Case filings
  2. Foreign Patent Search Results
  3. Patents in Question

 RIA will continue to pursue its efforts to secure a judgment of invalidity of the '812 Patent. For more information, visit www.restorationindustry.org.  

KEYWORDS: restoration Restoration Industry Association thermapure

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Cleaning and Sanitation
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

Pop Art Female Superhero Punches a Masked Villain

TPAs vs. Independence: The Restoration Industry’s Own Version of the Cola Wars

RIA Carrier Advocate Mark Springer

Turning the Page: A New Era of Trust and Collaboration in Restoration

particle count hands-on demonstration of a HEPA filter

The Truth About HEPA Filters

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Doffing PPE

When you are doffing your PPE, do you sanitize between every step?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Prepare for CATASTROPHE with R&R!

Related Articles

  • RR0712_RIA_img1_F.jpg

    RIA, ThermaPure Settle Patent Lawsuit

    See More
  • RR0712_RIA_img1_F.jpg

    (UPDATED) RIA Files Lawsuit Against Thermapure

    See More
  • RIA Safe Harbor

    RIA To Host Virtual Town Hall to Discuss ThermaPure Settlement

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • thumbnail.jpg

    Complete Marketing Manual for Restoration & Mitigation Contractors

See More Products
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing