Nest Labs recently hired Richard Lutton Jr as a general counsel. This news came shortly after the company’s defense of a Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE:HON) patent infringement lawsuit.
Nest is a company that creates digital “learning” thermostats. These thermostats use smart technology to learn and automatically adjust to the homeowner’s comings and goings. Not only does the Nest thermostat provide more comfort for the homeowner but it also saves them money.
Unfortunately, Honeywell claims that Nest Labs stole their patent and in February, they filed a lawsuit against the company. Today, Nest replied in a filing that claimed their competitor’s patents were essentially worthless. The company’s chief executive Tony Fadell even said Honeywell was more atrocious than a troll.
Lutton should provide great value for Nest Labs as he worked with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) for ten years. He has been with them throughout the productions of their best innovations; including the iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
He left Apple last year and he’s quite excited about his new job with Nest, where he has reunited with a few former Apple employees including Fadell, a former executive of Apple.
Lutton has been an advisor for Nest since earlier this year. His reason for joining the innovative company? He stated that he wants to help build up a great company. He also wants to make a difference where intellectual property matters.
This sounds like a wonderful opportunity for Richard Lutton Jr and I am sure that he will bring great things for this company. As for the lawsuit, it sounds like it’s going to become a tough fight both companies but Nest Labs could have the upper hand thanks to their recent hire.
Of course it’s going to take a lot more than a smart new employee to win the case, but it could still work in their favor. Either way, I think that Nest Labs has a bright future.
