JOOLA Files Patent Infringement Litigation Against 11 Paddle Brands

The legal action names major brands including Franklin, RPM and Paddletek as defendants, claiming "unauthorized use of its proprietary propulsion core technology."

Update:

Many questions have arisen since this news dropped about the financial motivations behind JOOLA's actions against 11 other paddle brands.

One line from the press release stood out:

The action, filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC) on April 7, 2026, reflects JOOLA's long-standing commitment to protecting the original engineering that has defined the modern era of pickleball paddle performance. 

What consequence does filing with the ITC have in regards to how this all might be resolved going forward? Is this just a money-grab, like so may online are alleging, or is it more nuanced?

We reached back out to JOOLA CEO Richard Lee and asked. Here's what he said:

“The ITC does not award monetary damages — its remedy is exclusionary, meaning it can block infringing products from entering the U.S. market,” he said.

That makes sense. But JOOLA has a backup plan in place as well.

“As is standard practice in ITC cases, we are currently filling companion suits in federal court to preserve the option of seeking damages in the future,” Lee continued.

“However, our priority remains the ITC proceeding focused on IP protection for our innovative technology.”

Earlier:

There's breaking pickleball news, and then there's industry-shaking, remember-where-you-were-when-it-happened type of news.

This falls into the second category.

JOOLA today announced that is has filed patent infringement litigation against 11 paddle brands, many of which are major names in the sport.

The reason: "unauthorized use of its proprietary propulsion core technology."

"The action, filed with the International Trade Commission (ITC) on April 7, 2026, reflects JOOLA's long-standing commitment to protecting the original engineering that has defined the modern era of pickleball paddle performance," the company stated in a release.

The litigation involves the following companies as defendants:

1. Franklin Sports
2. Proton Sports
3. RPM Pickleball
4. Engage Pickleball
5. Friday Labs
6. Diadem Sports
7. Facolos
8. ProXR Pickleball
9. Paddletek
10. Adidas Pickleball
11. Volair  

We reached out to JOOLA to ask why they decided to take this action now.

"This is a principled decision, not a reactive one," said Richard Lee, CEO of JOOLA.

"We take our responsibility to defend what we've built seriously. Our goal is to protect our innovation and encourage others to innovate as well."

What is JOOLA's Propulsion Core?

The Propulsion Core has been a staple technology in both the Pro IV and Pro V models.

Here's how it's described on the company's website:

Patented propulsion core adds controlled flex to the paddle’s interior, creating a responsive, spring-like effect. The result is easier access to power on drives, counters, and quick speed-ups, so you can hit harder without having to swing harder.

The tech is often referred to as a foam horse-shoe or diving board. It does not extend all the way around the paddle's perimeter; it's just the top half or so.

JOOLA reportedly spent years investing in the research, development, and rigorous testing behind its propulsion core technology, according to the release.

“Protecting our innovation is not about limiting what others can do – it’s about ensuring the investment, creativity and engineering required to advance this sport are sustained,” said Lee.

“The brands that will shape the future of this sport are the ones willing to innovate on their own. We encourage every brand to bring their own ideas, their own engineering, and their own creativity.”  

What Happens Now?

Obviously, this is a massive story with major implications for the current and future state of the pickleball paddle industry.

We will be following developments closely, so make sure you check back often for the latest.

In the meantime, here's what the rest of the industry is saying: