Vacuum cleaner manufacturer iRobot has filed a patent-infringement case with the U.S. International Trade Commission against SharkNinja robotic cleaners produced by JS Global Lifestyle. The firm asserts 10 patents have been contravened. Should the ITC rule in iRobot’s favor then the SharkNinja products cannot be imported. There’s been a wave of IP infraction cases regarding products where stay-at-home demand has boosted sales, most recently including smart doorbells as outlined in Panjiva’s research of Jan. 26.

Panjiva’s data shows that U.S. seaborne imports of home appliances, including vacuum cleaners, have soared during Q4’20 with growth of 73.3% year over year including a 90.2% jump in December alone. Vacuum cleaners were one of the fastest growth segments, with a 102.8% rise in December compared to a 108.9% surge in coffee machines and a 133.8% increase in ovens. Some segments have been in reverse, including fridges / freezers which fell by 1.7%. 

Chart segments U.S. seaborne imports of home appliances by product. Source: Panjiva

iRobot’s growth has been considerable at 55.0% year over year in Q4’20, though that is slower than the vacuum cleaner sector total of 74.5% but somewhat above the performance of Dyson, which rose by a more modest 32.8% despite a late surge in December. Imports of SharkNinja products meanwhile have been in decline on average with a 9.7% slide in Q4’20. Importers that have grown quicker than average including Bissell and Stanley Black & Decker which expanded by 70.4% and 220.4% respectively.

Chart segments U.S. seaborne imports of vacuum cleaners by consignee. Source: Panjiva