SemaConnect Scores Decisive Legal Victory in Charging Station Battle

Federal Judge Dismisses Patent Infringement Lawsuit Brought by
ChargePoint

BOWIE, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#EPA–A Federal Court has granted SemaConnect’s
motion to dismiss a patent infringement lawsuit filed by ChargePoint.
The suit, filed in December, accused SemaConnect of infringing four of
ChargePoint’s patents for technology to connect electric vehicle
charging stations to the internet.

In a 70-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis agreed with
SemaConnect’s assertion that there was no infringement. Additionally,
the court held that the claims brought by ChargePoint were little more
than abstract ideas and did not, therefore, qualify for patent
protection under the U.S. Supreme Court’s “Alice” opinion (2014), which
established standards for software-related patents.

“Connecting the internet to a device to send and receive communications
to operate that device in an expected way, without describing a specific
process for how the communications provide a technological improvement
(other than by virtue of being able to send and receive communications),
is an abstract idea that is not eligible for patent protection,” the
judge concluded.

SemaConnect is one of many EV solutions companies that uses the internet
to communicate with EV charging stations. As such, "This was not only
our fight. It was the industry’s fight — and the court’s decision has
indeed served justice,” said SemaConnect CEO Mahi Reddy.

Phil Jones, Executive Director for The Alliance for Transportation
Electrification, agreed: "We couldn't be happier for SemaConnect in this
landmark case. This is a significant milestone for the EV industry in
helping to clear the way for all providers to deliver smart EV
solutions. Having successfully prevailed with the motion to dismiss,
SemaConnect can continue to innovate and offer the highest quality EV
amenities to consumers.”

About SemaConnect

SemaConnect is the leading provider of electric vehicle amenities to the
North American commercial and residential property markets. A complete
EV support partner, SemaConnect delivers a truly modern property
experience through innovative, elegantly designed charging stations and
a robust and open network. Since its founding in 2008, the company has
helped maximize property value and appeal through thousands of
successful Class A deployments for many companies, including CBRE, JLL,
Hines, Greystar, Cisco Systems and Standard
Parking. SemaConnect remains the preferred charging solutions partner of
municipal, parking, multifamily property, hotel, office and retail
customers across the United States and Canada. For more information,
visit www.semaconnect.com.

Contacts

SemaConnect
Jesus Ferro, Director of Marketing
301-352-3730
ext. 225
[email protected]