JOOLA Gen3 Paddle Lawsuit: The legal battle between paddle maker JOOLA and USA Pickleball has entered its second year. The lawsuit centers on JOOLA’s Gen3 paddle, which USA Pickleball decertified in 2024. Both sides are accusing each other of misconduct and seeking damages based on Gen3 paddle profits.
Dispute Over Paddle Certification
The issue began when USA Pickleball removed approval for JOOLA’s Gen3 paddle about a year ago. JOOLA sued on June 12, 2024, saying the decertification broke USA Pickleball’s rules. JOOLA’s lawsuit makes two key points.
First, JOOLA argues that USA Pickleball ignored its own rule that says a paddle must stay approved for 18 months unless the company is given notice. Second, JOOLA claims the Gen3 paddle that was approved is the same as the one sold to players. JOOLA also denies claims that it submitted one version of the paddle and then sold a different one.
Delays and Legal Moves
USA Pickleball replied with a motion to dismiss the case in July 2024. That motion was expected to fail and mainly caused a delay.
As I mentioned earlier, the motion had little chance of being approved. These types of motions are usually denied. Still, defendants often file them either to delay the process or, frankly, to give their lawyers a chance to bill more hours.
The court finally denied that motion on February 3, 2025. Though unsuccessful, the motion delayed the case by seven months.
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Counterclaim Filed by USA Pickleball
On April 18, 2025, USA Pickleball officially answered the lawsuit and also filed a counterclaim. It denied all of JOOLA’s claims and made new accusations.
USA Pickleball now says JOOLA knowingly submitted a different paddle for approval. The group claims JOOLA marketed a version with internal foam that made the paddle illegal and gave players unfair power.
USA Pickleball strongly claims that JOOLA was knowingly involved in a fraudulent plan the whole time.
Both Sides Want Damages
JOOLA is asking for millions in lost profits. USA Pickleball is demanding JOOLA give up profits from selling the Gen3. Each also wants the other to pay for legal fees and punitive damages.
Though big dollar amounts have been mentioned, the key questions remain the same:
Did JOOLA sell a different paddle than the one it got approved?
Even if it didn’t, does the 18-month rule still protect JOOLA?
JOOLA says the paddle was the same and the rule must be followed. USA Pickleball says the change was serious and that the rule doesn’t apply to fraud.
Case Still Early in Process
One legal expert shared an example from their 30-year career to highlight the costs of long lawsuits. They explained how a client once spent $2 million on legal fees only to settle for the same amount offered at the beginning.
Sometimes the client refuses to listen, but the best lawyers do not just say what the client wants to hear. They also explain the real risks. In this case, both sides face big risks, so they should be working toward a quick settlement before they spend too much money on the lawsuit. So far, that hasn’t happened. Instead, legal costs may be making a settlement harder.
What Comes Next?
The case is expected to move into discovery next. That stage lets each side request internal documents and question witnesses. These documents could reveal whether JOOLA knew it changed the paddle or if USA Pickleball changed rules after public pressure.
Internal emails from that time could be very important and might change the outcome of the case. The legal fight continues, and both sides face high risks. What comes out in discovery could shape the case’s future—and the sport of pickleball.
News in Brief: JOOLA Gen3 Paddle Lawsuit
The JOOLA vs. USA Pickleball lawsuit is heating up after a year. Both sides accuse each other of misconduct over a paddle decertification. With big money at stake, the case now heads into discovery, where key internal documents could decide the outcome.
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