Nest Labs, the Google-backed US-based company developer of an internet-controlled, self-correcting ‘smart’ thermostat, responded to a patent infringement lawsuit filed by competitor Honeywell International on Wednesday.
Features of Nest Labs’ product cited in the lawsuit include its ring-based control system, some of its interface features, its ‘power stealing’ function which allows it to use small amounts of energy diverted from a home’s heating or cooling system, and the ability to control the thermostat through the internet.
Nest’s official statement reads: “We at Nest are proud of creating products that bring true innovation to home efficiency and we are continuing to innovate and bring products to market. … Nest will vigorously defend itself against Honeywell’s patent-attack strategy to stifle thoughtful competition and we have the resources, support and conviction to do so.”
In addition to Nest Labs, Honeywell disclosed that it has recently filed similar suits against two other competitors, Venstar and ICM Controls, ‘for infringing thermostat and combustion controls patents’, but did not go into further detail.
Nest launched its thermostat in October, selling it through its own website as well as US consumer electronics retailer Best Buy. Honeywell’s suit, filed on Monday, alleges that Nest’s thermostat infringes on seven of its patents, and it is looking to enjoin Best Buy in the lawsuit.
Nest Labs has raised upwards of $50m from corporate venturing unit Google Ventures, corporate and professional services firm Intertrust, VC firms Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Shasta Ventures, and investment management firm Generation Investment Management, according to news provider Wired.