The parties and the court

The case is Roeloffs v. Robles, No. 1:26-cv-08030 (E.D. Cal., Fresno Division), filed September 29, 2026 by Justin Arie Roeloffs, doing business as Roeloffs Solutions, against Luis Robles. The complaint says Roeloffs is a natural person and the proprietor of Roeloffs Solutions, with his residence and its principal place of business in Tipton, California, and alleges, on information and belief, that Robles is a natural person residing in Tulare, California. Venue is pleaded under 28 U.S.C. 1400(b).

The patents

The complaint says Roeloffs owns U.S. Patent 11,616,469, issued March 28, 2023, and U.S. Patent 11,791,767, issued October 17, 2023, both titled Brush-Supported Solar Cell Washing System and Method, and that he marks his carts with the patent numbers.

What the lawsuit alleges

Roeloffs describes himself as an innovator, user, and seller of solar panel washing appliances whose lightweight cleaning brush frames are self-supporting on the brush bristles. The complaint alleges, on information and belief, that Robles copied the patented configuration and used it to take Roeloffs' customers in washing solar panels for third-party array owners in the district, and that Roeloffs has identified several array owners who retained Robles to clean panels with the accused brush frames. It alleges that when Roeloffs pointed out the patents, Robles said, "You cannot patent a window brush." Count I alleges direct infringement of the '469 patent, with a representative claim chart attached as Exhibit C, and Count II alleges direct infringement of the '767 patent. The complaint alleges, on information and belief, willful infringement, and says the case is exceptional under 35 U.S.C. 285.

Relief sought

Roeloffs asks for a determination of infringement of both patents, a permanent injunction, damages, delivery of remaining accused inventory, and a sworn compliance report within thirty days. He demands a jury.

What to watch next

The docket shows the summons returned executed on October 14, 2026 and an initial scheduling conference set for January 26, 2027. Watch for Robles's answer or Rule 12 motion. Roeloffs filed two later suits on the same patents against companies, Nos. 1:26-cv-08904 and 1:26-cv-08886 (E.D. Cal.).