On July 22, 2023, a significant announcement was made by Norwegian robotics firm AutoStore and British online supermarket group Ocado. They decided to settle their ongoing patent dispute, putting an end to a long legal battle that had taken place in courts across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The settlement terms required AutoStore to pay £200 million ($257.1 million) in damages to Ocado.
This settlement is crucial for both companies, offering different victories and advantages. For Ocado, it means safeguarding its intellectual property and securing the ability to continue selling its technology to retailers worldwide. On the other hand, AutoStore can now steer clear of further legal costs and concentrate on growing its business.
While both Ocado and AutoStore specialize in automated warehouse systems, they have distinct characteristics. Ocado is a vertically integrated company, managing its warehouses and handling various products, from food to general merchandise. On the contrary, AutoStore operates as a technology company, licensing its advanced systems to other businesses and mainly focusing on handling small, high-value items.
Moreover, their clientele also differs significantly. Ocado’s warehouse systems are utilized by a diverse range of retailers, including Morrisons, Kroger, and even Ocado itself. On the other hand, AutoStore’s warehouse systems have been adopted by a smaller number of retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, and Tesco.
