Riddell Says Father, Son Misled USPTO on Helmet-Safety Patent

A patent asserted against two Riddell Inc. lines of football helmets isn’t enforceable because its owner misled the US Patent and Trademark Office, and because his son, the inventor and a PTO employee, improperly participated in the application process, Riddell alleged in a court filing.

William A. Jacob, a Haitian immigrant residing in Kansas City, Mo., sued Riddell Sept. 19 alleging its Speedflex and Axiom helmet lines infringe US Patent No. 11,464,271, which names his son, William J. Jacob, as its inventor. Riddell denied infringement and said the patent is invalid and unenforceable, according to its answer and counterclaims ...