Utah Company Prevails In Blender Patent Dispute

A Utah company known for its “Will it Blend” YouTube videos has been awarded millions in a suit claiming a company ripped off its unique blender design.

The Daily Herald of Provo reported the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a $24 million pair of judgments Thursday against Ohio-based Vitamix, which is accused of copying Orem-based Blendtec’s design.

Blendtec president David Beck says his company’s five-sided blending jar dramatically reduces the amount of time it takes to make a drink. The design was patented in 2005.

Vitamix spokesman Anthony Ciepiel (SEE’-pee-uhl) maintains there was no copying, and says the design was used on a small, discontinued portion of the Vitamix commercial line. He says the company is disappointed their appeal was unsuccessful, but says he understands the decision stands.