{"id":37990,"date":"2026-11-04T11:01:42","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T09:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kpw.law\/?p=37990"},"modified":"2026-11-04T11:15:26","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T09:15:26","slug":"hose-with-nozzle-in-a-set","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kpw.law\/en\/hose-with-nozzle-in-a-set\/","title":{"rendered":"Hose with Nozzle in a Set"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull v4-pattern-hero v4-pattern-hero--post is-style-background-blend is-style-arrow has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull v4-pattern-hero__cover\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);min-height:75vh;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img data-dominant-color=\"5e53b6\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #5e53b6;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-37988 size-large not-transparent\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/kpw.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schlauch-mit-Duese-im-Set-1024x576.avif\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kpw.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schlauch-mit-Duese-im-Set-1024x576.avif 1024w, https:\/\/kpw.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schlauch-mit-Duese-im-Set-300x169.avif 300w, https:\/\/kpw.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schlauch-mit-Duese-im-Set-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/kpw.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schlauch-mit-Duese-im-Set-1536x864.avif 1536w, https:\/\/kpw.law\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schlauch-mit-Duese-im-Set-2048x1152.avif 2048w\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-base-background-color has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div style=\"height:5em\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-97ba1214 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a6a2a725 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\r\n<h1 id=\"multirow-headline-block_0f5aa2c27bba0e44a2757fa12d4a9188\" class=\"wp-block-visual4-multirow-headline\">\r\n    <div class=\"wp-block-visual4-multirow-headline\">\n\n<p class=\"has-gigantic-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0%;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:1000;line-height:1;text-transform:uppercase\">Hose<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-huge-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:15%;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:1000;line-height:1;text-transform:uppercase\">with nozzle<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color has-gigantic-font-size wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0%;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:1000;line-height:1;text-transform:uppercase\"><span class=\"v4-marker-highlight-background\">in a set<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div> \r\n<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-small-font-size is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-878d3859 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-style:italic;font-weight:300;text-transform:uppercase\"><div style=\"font-style:italic;font-weight:300;text-transform:uppercase\" class=\"wp-block-post-date has-small-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2026-11-04T11:01:42+02:00\">4. November 2026<\/time><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">by<\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"font-style:italic;font-weight:600\" class=\"wp-block-post-author-name\">Clemens Pfitzer<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3b99a472 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Does a retailer commit an infringement simply by selling all the parts of a protected invention unassembled in a box? And what are the consequences if they offer the hose without the spray head, thereby committing only an indirect patent infringement? The Higher Regional Court of D\u00fcsseldorf shows that the difference is smaller than many retailers assume.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-ein-schlauch-der-mitwachst\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Hose That Grows With You<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dispute centered on a garden hose that extends under water pressure. Without water, it lies flat and gathered, allowing for space-saving storage. The patent protects a two-part garden hose assembly. The hose consists of an expandable inner tube and a non-elastic, woven outer tube. It also includes a water flow restrictor\u2014a nozzle with a valve that allows, restricts, and stops the flow of water.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A manufacturer sold two hose sets in Germany. The first set included the hose, a spray nozzle, adapters, a reducer, and a storage bag. The spray nozzle was not attached upon delivery. However, the packaging showed the hose with the garden sprayer attached. The second set contained only the hose with adapters, a reducer, and replacement gaskets. It did not include a spray head. A discount retailer also offered this second set in its online store.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-woruber-die-parteien-stritten\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the Parties Disputed<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exclusive licensee of the patent filed a lawsuit against both companies. It viewed both sets as direct infringements. Anyone who purchases such a hose would certainly attach a sprayer to it.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manufacturers and discount retailers argued otherwise. They said the outer tube is elastic because it contracts on its own in response to water pressure. The hose can also be used without a nozzle, for example as an extension or for filling containers.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In its judgment of August 6, 2025, the Regional Court of D\u00fcsseldorf essentially ruled in favor of the licensee. It found a direct infringement with respect to the first set. With regard to the second set, it found only an indirect patent infringement, but nevertheless issued an unrestricted ban on distribution and ordered a recall and destruction of the products.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-olg-dusseldorf-bestatigt-beide-verbote\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Higher Regional Court of D\u00fcsseldorf upheld both injunctions<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In <a href=\"https:\/\/nrwe.justiz.nrw.de\/olgs\/duesseldorf\/j2026\/2_U_67_25_Urteil_20260930.html\">its ruling dated September 30, 2026\u2014Case No. 2 U 67\/25\u2014<\/a> the Higher Regional Court of D\u00fcsseldorf dismissed the appeal filed by the manufacturer and the discount retailer. It merely adjusted the wording regarding the recall and destruction. The licensee was also unsuccessful. She had sought to have the second set deemed a direct infringement as well.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court did not accept the objection regarding the outer tube. A certain degree of elasticity and resilience is not problematic, as long as both are less than those of the inner tube. The fact that this causes the tube to contract more quickly is an additional advantage. Such an advantage does not fall outside the scope of protection of the patent.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-warum-ist-das-unmontierte-set-eine-unmittelbare-verletzung\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is the unassembled kit a direct infringement?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anyone who supplies all the components of a protected device together is directly engaging in infringement of the patent. In the court\u2019s view, this applies even if the customer still has to assemble the parts. The manufacturer does not merely supply a part of the overall device. The spray head included in the delivery can be easily attached to the hose. This is obvious to the buyer.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, the specific rules governing partial deliveries were not relevant. For retailers, this is a clear statement. Legally, a kit must be treated the same as a fully assembled product.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-ist-der-spruhkopf-eine-allerweltszutat\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the spray head a common component?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second set was more difficult. In the case of a combination patent\u2014that is, a patent covering the interaction of multiple components\u2014only the party offering the entire combination is generally liable for direct infringement. A party that supplies only one component is generally liable for indirect patent infringement.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is one exception: when only one obvious ingredient is missing to complete the product. The court cites earlier cases. In those cases, what was missing was a commercially available computer for included software or the water needed for a heated stable floor. Such commonplace ingredients have a wide range of uses that have nothing to do with the invention or its technical field.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The spray head does not meet this requirement. The patent describes it as having three settings and assigns it a specific function. It is intended to generate the pressure that causes the inner tube to expand. In addition, there are spray heads without adjustment mechanisms and others that do not fit the hose.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court also rejected the argument that the buyer could safely retrofit the device.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group v4-pattern-general-quote-box has-kpw-yellow-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reasonable expectation of use alone cannot be a sufficient basis for finding direct patent infringement.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-wann-wird-ein-mittel-schlechthin-verboten\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is a product outright banned?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indirect patent infringement generally does not result in a complete ban on distribution. If a product also has a legitimate, patent-free use, courts usually only order warning notices or similar conditions. An unrestricted ban\u2014known as an absolute ban\u2014is the exception.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court found that this exception applied in this case. The non-patent-infringing uses were merely theoretical. Without an adjustable spray head, not enough pressure builds up for the hose to fully expand. However, anyone who buys such a hose specifically wants this effect. An extension with a syringe at the end, on the other hand, is itself within the scope of the patent.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Added to this is sales to private customers. Their private use is not covered by the patent. A warning notice would not deter them, and a contractual penalty could not be imposed on them for permitted use.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-ruckruf-und-vernichtung-trotz-mittelbarer-verletzung\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recall and Destruction Despite Indirect Infringement<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of indirect patent infringement, the rights holder generally cannot demand destruction. Only the domestic offering and delivery of the invention for use are prohibited. The supplier could, for example, sell inventory to a country where the patent is not in force.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the conditions for an absolute ban are met, the court holds that an exception applies. The manufacturer and discount retailer failed to demonstrate that they had sales abroad. Patent-free use within Germany is not an option. They must therefore destroy their inventory and recall goods delivered to commercial customers since October 4, 2021.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-was-bedeutet-das-fur-handel-und-hersteller\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does this mean for retailers and manufacturers?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ruling affects any company that sells technical products in sets or as individual parts. If you purchase or develop such products, you should keep four points in mind.<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow\">\n<li><strong>Treat sets as finished products.<\/strong> If all parts of a protected invention are included in the box, assembly is irrelevant. The patent search should cover the entire set.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not assume individual parts are safe.<\/strong> Anyone offering a component without the appropriate accessories may still be liable. If there is no realistic patent-free use, the same injunction applies as in the case of full infringement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Demonstrate alternative uses.<\/strong> Whether a warning notice is sufficient depends on actual, real-world patent-free uses. Theoretical uses are of no help in court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secure supply contracts.<\/strong> Distributors should agree with suppliers on indemnification for intellectual property infringements and provisions regarding recalls and destruction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anyone who receives a <a href=\"https:\/\/kpw.law\/en\/topics\/cease-and-desist-letter\/\">cease and desist letter<\/a> regarding a patent should have it reviewed to determine whether there is a direct or indirect infringement before responding. This determines which claims actually exist. For online retailers, this review is part of risk management in <a href=\"https:\/\/kpw.law\/en\/fields-of-law\/e-commerce\/e-commerce-3-2\/\">e-commerce<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 id=\"h-fazit\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns v4-pattern-text-copy-half-col is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A complete set constitutes direct infringement. A component without the patented accessory remains an indirect patent infringement, even if the customer will certainly purchase the accessory later. This preserves the legal framework and is ultimately convincing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For those affected, however, the difference is minor. In both cases, they are subject to injunctions, recalls, and destruction. The classification as an indirect infringement primarily affects the scope of the prohibition. Offering and delivery are prohibited, but not possession, use, or importation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It remains unclear exactly where the line is drawn for a common ingredient. The court bases its determination on whether the ingredient has a wide range of uses outside the technical field. A computer and water meet this criterion, whereas a spray nozzle does not. Case law has yet to clarify how to treat items such as rechargeable batteries, standard screws, or power supplies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide v4-pattern-cta-box has-secondary-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-0c8cea62 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide are-vertically-aligned-top v4-pattern-cta-box__columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-71c143ff wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top v4-pattern-cta-box__columns-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-fb77afb0 wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:0;flex-basis:60%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-content-justification-right is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1931a79c wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\r\n<div id=\"multirow-headline-block_19181c4f3e786d50d8cd2760f494fed0\" class=\"wp-block-visual4-multirow-headline alignwide\">\r\n    <div class=\"wp-block-visual4-multirow-headline\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-huge-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0%;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:1000;line-height:1;text-transform:uppercase\">We\u2019d be happy to<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-x-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:8%;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:1000;line-height:0.9;text-transform:uppercase\">advise you on <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-huge-font-size wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0%;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-style:normal;font-weight:1000;line-height:0.9;text-transform:uppercase\">Patent law!<\/p>\n\n<\/div> \r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9da75b5c wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" 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destroyed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4904],"tags":[6782,6779,6781,5125,6780],"thema":[],"rechtsgebiet":[4959],"produkt":[],"class_list":["post-37990","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general","tag-absolute-prohibition","tag-garden-hose","tag-indirect-patent-infringement","tag-patent-en","tag-spray-head","rechtsgebiet-patent-law"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Indirect Patent Infringement: Hose with and without a Nozzle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Higher Regional Court of D\u00fcsseldorf on indirect patent infringement: A garden hose without a spray nozzle is 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