Icon said it has a patent pending on the swivel screen and hold a patent on the resistance feature, which Peloton calls “auto-follow.” Both features are used on Icon’s current line of products, which also includes iFit and FreeMotion brands that make several varieties of gym equipment including bikes and treadmills.
This isn’t the first legal skirmish between the rival companies. In May, New York-based Peloton sued Icon, claiming it “attempted to free ride off Peloton’s innovative technology” because it began broadcasting live classes. Peloton has garnered a following with its leaderboard and social-media-famous instructors.
“As the fitness industry’s leading innovator, Icon is unfortunately accustomed to having companies copy its technology,” the Utah-based company said in the lawsuit. “Some companies, like Peloton, have built (at least in part) entire businesses on the back of Icon’s patented technology.”
The lawsuit also said that in 2013, Peloton CEO John Foley met with Icon prior to the release of its original bike. He was allegedly seeking to use Icon’s patents for the bike, which Icon declined. The two companies settled a previous patent infringement lawsuit in 2017.
“We will vigorously defend this case in court,” said Steven Feldman, Peloton’s outside litigation counsel.
Bike+ was introduced in September as part of a broader product expansion for the booming fitness company.