Helen of Troy 'disappointed' in outcome of patent infringement case

EL PASO, Texas - Helen of Troy expressed "disapointment" following a jury trial that awarded Exergen $14.6 million in damages involving claims of alleged patent infringement by Kaz USA related to two forehead thermometer models. 

 

The damages represented approximately seven years in sales. 

 

"Kaz is respectful of the jury determination but is disappointed, and disagrees strongly with that determination," Helen of Troy stated. "The outcome of the case is not yet final, and the verdict will be subject to several post-trial motions," the company added. 

 

The forehead thermometers involved in this case represented less than 1% of Helen of Troy’s consolidated net sales for fiscal year 2015.

 

For its latest fiscal third quarter ended Nov. 30, Helen of Troy reported sales revenue 2.3% to $445.5 million. Sales across the company's health and home segment rose 5.3%, driven by successful new product introductions and the VapoSteam acquisition. For the year, Helen of Troy's health and home segment is expected to realize sales growth of between 2% and 4%. 

 

The company's latest thermometer, the Vicks SmartTemp digital stick thermometer, helps track and share temperature readings using a smartphone app. The app connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to track and share temperatures for multiple users within a family.