The case is Triteq Lock & Security, LLC v. Imbera USA, LLC, No. 4:26-cv-08559 (S.D. Tex., Houston Division), filed September 30, 2026. Triteq is an Illinois limited liability company based in Elk Grove, Illinois. The complaint alleges that Imbera USA, LLC is a Texas limited liability company with a place of business in Houston.

Patents and the accused products

The complaint asserts U.S. Patents 10,612,833 (Cooler Lock, issued April 7, 2020), 11,668,514 (Cooler Lock, June 6, 2023), 12,392,543 (Cooler Lock, August 19, 2025), and 12,235,034 (Vending Lock, February 25, 2025). It alleges that Triteq owns them by assignment and that they share a specification claiming priority to a provisional application filed January 18, 2013. The complaint describes the patents as covering electromechanical locks and control logic that lock refrigerated vending cabinets, such as micro market coolers and freezers, when temperature, power, or door conditions risk food spoilage.

The accused products are Imbera's Insight Health Lock and cooler and freezer merchandisers that use it, including at least versions of the G319, VR12, and VR27 coolers, the VFS12, VFS24, and LTF23 freezers, and the VRF26 and VRFD22 dual cooler and freezers. The complaint asserts at least claim 14 of the '833 patent, claim 11 of the '514 patent, claim 54 of the '543 patent, and claim 2 of the '034 patent, with direct, induced, and contributory infringement counts.

The parties' history and relief

The complaint alleges that Imbera was a Triteq customer: it used Triteq's CL100 lock from 2014 and its Fresh IQ 2100 Health Timer Lock from 2019 on Performax-brand merchandisers, then developed the Insight lock to replace the Triteq lock. It alleges Imbera knew of the patents through those dealings, Triteq's patent marking, and an April 22, 2020 industry press release. Triteq asks for damages, enhanced damages for willful infringement from when Imbera learned of the alleged infringement, attorneys' fees, and a permanent injunction or, in the alternative, a post-judgment royalty, and demands a jury.

What to watch next

The docket shows service returned executed on October 20, 2026 and a ruling on a motion for extension of time on October 26. Watch for Imbera's answer or motion and the initial conference. The case can end at any time, including by settlement or voluntary dismissal.