{"id":3249,"date":"2026-07-27T03:06:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T03:06:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/?p=3249"},"modified":"2026-07-27T03:06:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T03:06:24","slug":"gen-3-pickleball-paddle-patent-compliance-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/gen-3-pickleball-paddle-patent-compliance-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Brevet de la raquette de pickleball Gen 3 : Un guide de conformit\u00e9 US 2026 pour les marques"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>R\u00e9ponse courte : \u00ab Gen 3 \u00bb n'est pas une cat\u00e9gorie de noyau interdite, mais une raquette de style Gen 3 ou Gen 4 peut toujours cr\u00e9er deux risques s\u00e9par\u00e9s aux \u00c9tats-Unis : in\u00e9ligibilit\u00e9 au tournoi et contrefa\u00e7on de brevet. Passer les tests USAP ou UPA-A ne fournit pas une clearance de brevet.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mais cette r\u00e9ponse n\u00e9cessite une qualification importante. Gen 3 est un terme industriel et marketing, pas une classification r\u00e9glementaire officielle. Une raquette ne passe pas parce qu'une usine appelle son noyau \u00ab Gen 3 \u00bb, \u00ab propulsion \u00bb, \u00ab mousse am\u00e9lior\u00e9e \u00bb ou \u00ab nouvelle g\u00e9n\u00e9ration \u00bb. L'\u00e9ligibilit\u00e9 au tournoi d\u00e9pend de la performance et de la construction de la raquette finie, si les unit\u00e9s de production correspondent aux \u00e9chantillons certifi\u00e9s, et si le mod\u00e8le reste dans les limites applicables tout au long de son utilisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cette distinction est importante pour les marques. Le risque commercial n'est pas seulement de choisir le mauvais nom de noyau. Il s'agit d'approuver un \u00e9chantillon haute puissance avec une marge de conformit\u00e9 trop faible, de changer la structure apr\u00e8s les tests, de permettre \u00e0 la variation normale des lots et \u00e0 la p\u00e9riode de rodage de pousser les unit\u00e9s de d\u00e9tail au-del\u00e0 de l'enveloppe de performance certifi\u00e9e, ou d'importer une construction pouvant relever des revendications de brevets d'une autre entreprise aux \u00c9tats-Unis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ce guide explique le paysage des \u00e9quipements et des risques de brevets am\u00e9ricains de 2026 d'un point de vue manufacturier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note de port\u00e9e :<\/strong>&nbsp;Ceci est un guide de sourcing et de d\u00e9veloppement de produit, pas un avis juridique ou une d\u00e9termination de contrefa\u00e7on. Un avocat am\u00e9ricain en brevets doit comparer la construction finale aux revendications de tous les brevets pertinents encore valides avant le lancement. L'approbation de USA Pickleball et de l'UPA-A sont des exigences de gouvernance sportive, pas une autorisation gouvernementale pour vendre un produit de consommation ou une confirmation de libert\u00e9 de brevet.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Points cl\u00e9s pour les propri\u00e9taires de marque<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>La clearance de brevet et la certification de tournoi sont des \u00e9tapes distinctes.<\/strong>\u00a0Une raquette inscrite sur la liste USAP ou UPA-A peut toujours cr\u00e9er un risque de brevet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Les revendications de brevet suivent la structure interne, pas l'\u00e9tiquette Gen 3 ou Gen 4.<\/strong>\u00a0Les limites du noyau, les \u00e9carts, les remplissages et la construction du cadre comptent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Commandez une analyse FTO aux \u00c9tats-Unis avant l'approbation de l'outillage ou de la commande.<\/strong>\u00a0Ne vous fiez pas uniquement \u00e0 la d\u00e9claration \u00ab sans brevet \u00bb d'un fournisseur.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Certifiez la conception de production et contr\u00f4lez-la apr\u00e8s approbation.<\/strong>\u00a0Le rodage, les substitutions de mat\u00e9riaux et les d\u00e9rives de processus peuvent changer \u00e0 la fois la performance et le risque l\u00e9gal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Control-Pickleball-Paddles_NexaPaddle.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3039\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Control-Pickleball-Paddles_NexaPaddle.webp 750w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Control-Pickleball-Paddles_NexaPaddle-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Control-Pickleball-Paddles_NexaPaddle-18x12.webp 18w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Control-Pickleball-Paddles_NexaPaddle-600x400.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pourquoi \u00ab Gen 3 \u00bb est devenu associ\u00e9 aux raquettes interdites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">La confusion provient en grande partie des retraits de raquettes tr\u00e8s m\u00e9diatis\u00e9s en 2024. USA Pickleball a d\u00e9clar\u00e9 que certains mod\u00e8les JOOLA avaient \u00e9t\u00e9 retir\u00e9s apr\u00e8s que les raquettes vendues sur le march\u00e9 n'\u00e9taient pas les m\u00eames \u00e9chantillons initialement soumis dans le cadre d'un processus de certification par similarit\u00e9. De nouvelles raquettes soumises ont ensuite \u00e9t\u00e9 test\u00e9es et n'ont pas r\u00e9pondu aux normes d'\u00e9quipement applicables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cet \u00e9v\u00e9nement n'a&nbsp;<strong>pas<\/strong>&nbsp;cr\u00e9e une interdiction g\u00e9n\u00e9rale sur chaque construction de style Gen 3. Cela a d\u00e9montr\u00e9 deux principes de conformit\u00e9 plus larges :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>La raquette soumise et la raquette de production doivent \u00eatre le m\u00eame produit \u00e0 tous \u00e9gards mat\u00e9riels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Une \u00e9tiquette de famille de produit telle que \u00ab Gen 3 \u00bb ne d\u00e9termine pas le statut de certification ; le mod\u00e8le exact le fait.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">USA Pickleball a ensuite introduit les tests PBCoR pour mesurer la puissance et limiter l'effet de trampoline excessif. Son manuel des normes d'\u00e9quipement de janvier 2025 a fix\u00e9 un plafond de PBCoR de 0.44 \u00e0 partir du 1er novembre 2024, le r\u00e9duisant \u00e0&nbsp;<strong>0.43 \u00e0 partir du 1er novembre 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">La bonne question \u00e0 se poser pour l'acheteur n'est pas : \u00ab Gen 3 est-elle interdite ? \u00bb Mais :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ce mod\u00e8le fini exact peut-il passer les tests requis, rester dans les limites apr\u00e8s rodage, et \u00eatre reproduit de mani\u00e8re coh\u00e9rente en production de masse ?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u00ab Gen 3 \u00bb n'est pas une sp\u00e9cification de noyau standardis\u00e9e<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Les fournisseurs n'utilisent pas toujours les \u00e9tiquettes de g\u00e9n\u00e9ration de la m\u00eame mani\u00e8re. Selon l'usine ou la marque, \u00ab Gen 3 \u00bb peut d\u00e9crire :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Une raquette en PP en nid d'abeille thermoform\u00e9e avec mousse p\u00e9rim\u00e9trique<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Un syst\u00e8me de nid d'abeille ou de r\u00e9sine plus \u00e9lastique<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Une structure de type propulsion con\u00e7ue pour un plus grand maintien et rebond<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A power-focused construction positioned between conventional thermoformed and full-foam designs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A commercial product family rather than a distinct engineering architecture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For procurement, the term alone is too vague. A proper OEM brief should identify the actual construction:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Core material, thickness, cell size, and density<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perimeter-foam material, hardness, width, and location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Face layup and fiber orientation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resin and adhesive system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thermoforming temperature, pressure, and dwell-time window<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Edge and handle construction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finished weight, swing weight, and balance range<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surface material and finishing process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Target power, spin, deflection, and durability values<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brands evaluating&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/advanced-tech-thermoformed-paddles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">advanced-tech and thermoformed paddles<\/a>&nbsp;should treat \u201cGen 3\u201d as the start of a technical conversation, not as an adequate purchase specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The 2026 JOOLA Patent Risk: Why Gen 3 and Some Gen 4 Designs Need an FTO Review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The patent issue is separate from USAP or UPA-A performance compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sport Squad, Inc., doing business as JOOLA, is the assignee of at least two U.S. utility patents now being asserted against competing pickleball paddle suppliers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>U.S. Patent No. 12,465,826 (the \u2019826 patent)<\/strong>, issued November 11, 2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>U.S. Patent No. 12,357,891 (the \u2019891 patent)<\/strong>, issued July 15, 2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The patents belong to the same broader patent family and claim priority to provisional applications filed in 2023. They concern paddle cores, gaps or voids, filler materials, and perimeter or frame structures\u2014not the commercial labels \u201cGen 3\u201d or \u201cGen 4.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the Published Claims Actually Focus On<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Patent infringement is evaluated claim by claim. A product generally creates literal-infringement risk only when every limitation of at least one asserted claim is present; visual similarity or use of PP honeycomb alone is not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At a high level, claim 1 of the \u2019826 patent describes a pickleball paddle with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Front and back surfaces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A core whose outer boundary has one portion terminating farther inside the paddle than another portion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A gap outside the core and between the core boundary and the paddle\u2019s internal perimeter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A first filler in at least part of that gap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A frame around at least part of the paddle head, with a hollow interior<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A second filler within at least part of the frame\u2019s hollow interior<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u2019891 patent includes claims directed to other arrangements, including gaps in the core near both sides of the throat, filler placed in one or more of those gaps, and associated frame or additional filler structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means&nbsp;<strong>PP honeycomb by itself is not the complete issue<\/strong>. The higher-risk question is whether a PP honeycomb\u2014or another core material\u2014is cut back, relieved, gapped, surrounded, or combined with fillers and a frame in the particular arrangement required by a patent claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1441\" src=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-eva-foam-core-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-eva-foam-core-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-eva-foam-core-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-eva-foam-core-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-eva-foam-core-2048x1153.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-eva-foam-core-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-eva-foam-core-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Gen 4 Can Be Close to Gen 3 for Patent Purposes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The industry\u2019s generation names are inconsistent. Some \u201cGen 4\u201d paddles use a substantially different full-foam architecture. Others retain a central PP honeycomb core while changing the quantity, position, or mechanical role of foam and other filler materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A full-foam paddle is\u00a0<strong>not automatically outside<\/strong>\u00a0the patents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A PP honeycomb paddle is\u00a0<strong>not automatically inside<\/strong>\u00a0the patents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A Gen 4 marketing label does not avoid a claim that covers the actual arrangement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moving or changing the foam is useful only if the revised design omits at least one required claim limitation and also avoids other relevant claims and the doctrine of equivalents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The correct analysis is a limitation-by-limitation claim chart based on a sectioned production paddle, drawings, bill of materials, and manufacturing method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Risk Is No Longer Theoretical<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On June 4, 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1503 based on JOOLA\u2019s complaint. The investigation covers alleged infringement of claims from the \u2019826 and \u2019891 patents in connection with imported pickleball paddles. JOOLA requested a limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ITC described the accused product category broadly as pickleball paddles \u201cwith a core, comprised of foam or other material, and various filler material(s).\u201d This reinforces that the dispute is not confined to a single PP-honeycomb product name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">L'ITC a \u00e9galement d\u00e9clar\u00e9 express\u00e9ment que l'ouverture de l'enqu\u00eate \u00e9tait&nbsp;<strong>non pas une d\u00e9cision sur le fond<\/strong>. \u00c0 la date de v\u00e9rification des faits du 26 juillet 2026 de cet article, l'enqu\u00eate devrait \u00eatre consid\u00e9r\u00e9e comme en cours \u2014 et non comme une preuve que chaque palette accus\u00e9e enfreint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">JOOLA et Paddletek Group ont annonc\u00e9 s\u00e9par\u00e9ment un r\u00e8glement concernant les produits Paddletek Reserve, HoneyFoam et ProXR Signature Jolt. Selon cette annonce conjointe, les produits concern\u00e9s porteront le num\u00e9ro de brevet de propulsion-core de JOOLA et des redevances seront pay\u00e9es. Un r\u00e8glement est un avertissement commercial significatif, mais ce n'est pas un jugement juridique qui d\u00e9finit l'\u00e9tendue ou la validit\u00e9 compl\u00e8te des brevets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flux de travail FTO minimal avant un lancement aux \u00c9tats-Unis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avant de citer ou d'approuver un mod\u00e8le OEM de type Gen 3 ou Gen 4 pour les \u00c9tats-Unis :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gel de l'architecture interne.<\/strong>\u00a0Enregistrer la limite du c\u0153ur, tous les espaces, les emplacements des remplissages, la coupe transversale du cadre, les mat\u00e9riaux et la s\u00e9quence de fabrication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Commander une recherche de libert\u00e9 d'exploitation aux \u00c9tats-Unis.<\/strong>\u00a0Au minimum, examiner les brevets \u2019826 et \u2019891, leurs prolongements et les membres de la famille associ\u00e9s, plus les brevets d\u00e9tenus par d'autres entreprises de palettes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pr\u00e9parer un tableau de revendications.<\/strong>\u00a0Mapper chaque limitation des revendications ind\u00e9pendantes et d\u00e9pendantes pertinentes au produit propos\u00e9.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>D\u00e9cider du chemin commercial.<\/strong>\u00a0Obtenir un avis de non-infraction, concevoir autour des revendications, demander une licence, ou ne pas vendre\/importer le mod\u00e8le aux \u00c9tats-Unis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contr\u00f4ler les changements de production.<\/strong>\u00a0Un changement de fournisseur ou de disposition de mousse peut modifier \u00e0 la fois la performance en tournoi et l'analyse des brevets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Garder des SKU sp\u00e9cifiques au territoire si n\u00e9cessaire.<\/strong>\u00a0Une structure destin\u00e9e \u00e0 d'autres march\u00e9s ne doit pas \u00eatre automatiquement propos\u00e9e \u00e0 un acheteur am\u00e9ricain.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Si une structure ne peut pas obtenir une approbation FTO acceptable aux \u00c9tats-Unis, une marque peut envisager un SKU uniquement europ\u00e9en, uniquement asiatique ou d'un autre territoire sp\u00e9cifique \u2014 mais seulement apr\u00e8s que le conseiller ait examin\u00e9 le paysage des brevets dans chaque pays de destination. Un brevet am\u00e9ricain est territorial, mais des brevets et demandes europ\u00e9ens, chinois, cor\u00e9ens ou d'autres nations li\u00e9s peuvent exister dans la m\u00eame famille. La segmentation du march\u00e9 requiert des num\u00e9ros de mod\u00e8les distincts, un emballage, des restrictions de canal de vente, des instructions de distributeur et des contr\u00f4les pour emp\u00eacher que le SKU non am\u00e9ricain ne soit d\u00e9tourn\u00e9 vers les \u00c9tats-Unis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Une usine OEM peut fournir des dessins, des sections d\u00e9coup\u00e9es, des dossiers de nomenclature et des preuves de processus. Elle ne doit pas promettre un statut \u201csans brevet\u201d sans un examen juridique qualifi\u00e9 couvrant le produit final et le territoire de vente.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mettre la responsabilit\u00e9 des brevets dans le contrat OEM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Un examen FTO r\u00e9pond \u00e0 une question technique-juridique ; l'accord de fourniture d\u00e9termine qui subit la perte commerciale si un litige survient. Les propri\u00e9taires de marque ne devraient pas laisser la responsabilit\u00e9 des brevets \u00e0 une promesse par email ou \u00e0 une d\u00e9claration g\u00e9n\u00e9rique que le produit est \u201coriginal\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Le conseiller devrait envisager d'aborder :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Garantie IP :<\/strong>\u00a0ce que le fournisseur garantit r\u00e9ellement, pour quel design, pays et p\u00e9riode<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Devoir de divulgation :<\/strong>\u00a0si le fournisseur doit identifier des designs de tiers, des technologies licenci\u00e9es, des litiges ant\u00e9rieurs et des revendications connues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Indemnisation :<\/strong>\u00a0quelles revendications d'infraction, frais de d\u00e9fense, r\u00e8glements, rappels, pertes d'inventaire ou blocages d'importation sont couverts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contr\u00f4le de la d\u00e9fense :<\/strong>\u00a0qui s\u00e9lectionne le conseiller, contr\u00f4le le r\u00e8glement et communique avec le demandeur<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Recours :<\/strong>\u00a0re-design, remplacement, remboursement, obtention de licence ou annulation de commande<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Limites de responsabilit\u00e9 :<\/strong>\u00a0si des plafonds contractuels ordinaires excluent des revendications de PI et si le fournisseur a des actifs ou une assurance suffisants pour soutenir la promesse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contr\u00f4le des changements :<\/strong>\u00a0approbation \u00e9crite avant tout remplacement de c\u0153ur, remplissage, cadre, mat\u00e9riau ou processus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation des preuves :<\/strong>\u00a0dessins, r\u00e9visions de nomenclature, dossiers de lots, rapports de test et \u00e9chantillons n\u00e9cessaires pour d\u00e9fendre le design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Le langage contractuel n'est pas un substitut \u00e0 l'approbation. Une large indemnit\u00e9 d'un fournisseur peu capitalis\u00e9 peut avoir peu de valeur pratique, et une marque qui sp\u00e9cifie ou fournit le design accus\u00e9 peut conserver une exposition substantielle. Allouer la responsabilit\u00e9 uniquement apr\u00e8s que les deux parties aient divulgu\u00e9 qui a con\u00e7u chaque caract\u00e9ristique et qui contr\u00f4le les ventes am\u00e9ricaines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Les Deux Voies de Certification que les Marques doivent Comprendre<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Il n'existe pas de certificat de palette unique couvrant tous les niveaux de pickleball comp\u00e9titif aux \u00c9tats-Unis. En 2026, les marques doivent d\u00e9cider o\u00f9 le mod\u00e8le doit \u00eatre jou\u00e9 avant de geler son design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Objectif commercial<\/th><th>Chemin principal de l'\u00e9quipement<\/th><th>Cons\u00e9quence pratique<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Comp\u00e9tition amateur sanctionn\u00e9e par USA Pickleball<\/td><td>Certification USA Pickleball et inscription actuelle sur la Liste des Palettes Approuv\u00e9es<\/td><td>Le mod\u00e8le exact doit passer les tests de l'USAP et rester inscrit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Divisions amateurs lors des \u00e9v\u00e9nements UPA<\/td><td>Une palette actuellement inscrite \u00e0 l'USAP est accept\u00e9e ; la certification UPA-A est \u00e9galement accept\u00e9e<\/td><td>L'UPA-A n'est g\u00e9n\u00e9ralement pas requis pour ces divisions amateurs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Comp\u00e9tition professionnelle PPA et MLP<\/td><td>Certification UPA-A<\/td><td>La raquette doit avoir un tampon UPA-A, un num\u00e9ro de mod\u00e8le et une liste approuv\u00e9e actuelle<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Jeu r\u00e9cr\u00e9atif<\/td><td>La certification pour les tournois n'est g\u00e9n\u00e9ralement pas une condition d'utilisation occasionnelle<\/td><td>Le marketing ne doit pas laisser entendre une \u00e9ligibilit\u00e9 pour un tournoi sanctionn\u00e9 sans une liste valide<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USA Pickleball : Le Large Itin\u00e9raire de Jeu Sanctionn\u00e9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">La certification USA Pickleball \u00e9value plus que la puissance de base. Les normes d'\u00e9quipement publi\u00e9es concernent les mat\u00e9riaux, les caract\u00e9ristiques de surface, la r\u00e9flexion, les dimensions, les caract\u00e9ristiques interdites, l'identification des mod\u00e8les, et la conformit\u00e9 continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pour une raquette \u00e0 puissance de g\u00e9n\u00e9ration 3, les principaux contr\u00f4les du c\u00f4t\u00e9 usine comprennent :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>PBCoR :<\/strong>\u00a0non sup\u00e9rieur \u00e0 0,43 selon la norme USAP publi\u00e9e en vigueur le 1er novembre 2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rugosit\u00e9 de surface :<\/strong>\u00a0Rz moyenne ne d\u00e9passant pas 30 \u00b5m et Rt moyenne ne d\u00e9passant pas 40 \u00b5m, avec des limites de lecture unique suppl\u00e9mentaires<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coefficient de friction :<\/strong>\u00a0COF cin\u00e9tique ne d\u00e9passant pas 0,1875 selon la m\u00e9thode publi\u00e9e<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brillance :<\/strong>\u00a0aucune mesure sup\u00e9rieure \u00e0 80 GU pour la surface de frappe et le prot\u00e8ge-l\u00e8vre<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dimensions :<\/strong>\u00a0longueur et largeur combin\u00e9s ne d\u00e9passant pas 24 pouces, avec une longueur ne d\u00e9passant pas 17 pouces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Comportement de construction interdit :<\/strong>\u00a0aucune caract\u00e9ristique de type ressort, membrane flexible ou compressible qui cr\u00e9e un effet de trampoline non conforme<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conformit\u00e9 au cycle de vie :<\/strong>\u00a0la raquette doit rester conforme tout au long de sa dur\u00e9e de vie utile, y compris toute phase de rodage ou d\u00e9gradation qui am\u00e9liore les performances<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">La FAQ de soumission de USA Pickleball indique actuellement qu'une soumission de raquette n\u00e9cessite&nbsp;<strong>neuf raquettes exp\u00e9di\u00e9es \u00e0 six emplacements<\/strong>, des graphismes de production finale, et une fen\u00eatre de test normale d'environ&nbsp;<strong>quatre \u00e0 six semaines<\/strong>. L'organisation effectue \u00e9galement des inspections de march\u00e9 apr\u00e8s certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">UPA-A : L'itin\u00e9raire du Tour Professionnel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">L'UPA-A applique un syst\u00e8me de performance distinct pour le jeu professionnel PPA et MLP. Selon la version 26.4 des R\u00e8gles de Raquette UPA-A, les nouvelles raquettes sont soumises \u00e0 :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Initial\u00a0<strong>Facteur d'Efficacit\u00e9 de Raquette (PEF) de 0,385 ou moins<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PEF post-rodage non sup\u00e9rieur \u00e0\u00a0<strong>0.405<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spin non sup\u00e9rieur \u00e0\u00a0<strong>2 100 RPM<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poids maximum de\u00a0<strong>10 onces<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00c9paisseur maximum de\u00a0<strong>24 mm<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Longueur et largeur combin\u00e9es ne d\u00e9passant pas\u00a0<strong>24 pouces<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consistance continue avec le mod\u00e8le certifi\u00e9<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">L'UPA-A utilise \u00e9galement un rodage acc\u00e9l\u00e9r\u00e9 et un d\u00e9pistage sur site. Ses r\u00e8gles stipulent que les indicateurs de performance cl\u00e9s des raquettes de production\u2014including MOI, ADF, taux de spin, rugosit\u00e9 de surface, et PEF\u2014doivent rester dans 10 % des valeurs mesur\u00e9es pour le mod\u00e8le certifi\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pour 2026, l'UPA-A fixe un frais de marque annuel de&nbsp;<strong>$10,000<\/strong>&nbsp;et une&nbsp;<strong>$3 000 par raquette<\/strong>&nbsp;frais de test, avec chaque certification de raquette valide pendant 24 mois. Sa liste de contr\u00f4le de soumission n\u00e9cessite cinq raquettes, et la certification standard peut prendre jusqu'\u00e0 huit semaines. Les marques doivent confirmer les frais et d\u00e9lais actuels avant de budg\u00e9tiser car les conditions du programme peuvent changer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1441\" src=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/usap-vs-upaa-certification-flowchart-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/usap-vs-upaa-certification-flowchart-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/usap-vs-upaa-certification-flowchart-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/usap-vs-upaa-certification-flowchart-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/usap-vs-upaa-certification-flowchart-2048x1153.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/usap-vs-upaa-certification-flowchart-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/usap-vs-upaa-certification-flowchart-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Les Cinq Risques de Conformit\u00e9 de la G\u00e9n\u00e9ration 3 Qui Commencent G\u00e9n\u00e9ralement \u00e0 L'Usine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Concevoir aux Limites au Lieu de Concevoir Avec Marges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Un prototype qui mesure juste en dessous d'un seuil n'est pas automatiquement pr\u00eat pour la production. La densit\u00e9 de base, le volume de mousse, le contenu en r\u00e9sine, les conditions de durcissement, l'\u00e9paisseur de la face, et le poids final varient tous dans un processus de fabrication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Si l'\u00e9chantillon de d\u00e9veloppement a presque aucune marge, la variation ordinaire peut cr\u00e9er un lot mixte o\u00f9 certaines unit\u00e9s fonctionnent diff\u00e9remment de l'\u00e9chantillon certifi\u00e9. Un objectif de d\u00e9veloppement plus s\u00fbr utilise une bande de s\u00e9curit\u00e9 interne en dessous de la limite r\u00e9gissant. La bande de s\u00e9curit\u00e9 exacte doit \u00eatre bas\u00e9e sur la capacit\u00e9 de processus mesur\u00e9e, et non sur un pourcentage g\u00e9n\u00e9rique copi\u00e9 d'un autre mod\u00e8le.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Ignoring Break-In<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Power paddles can change as the face, adhesive system, honeycomb, and perimeter structure settle under repeated impact. A paddle that starts compliant may become more efficient after play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a Gen 3 program, a single new-paddle test is weak evidence. Development testing should include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Baseline measurements on multiple samples<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A documented impact or accelerated break-in cycle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat power, spin, deflection, and physical inspections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Destructive inspection of selected units<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review of core crush, debonding, face movement, and foam separation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">UPA-A formally incorporates accelerated break-in into certification, while USA Pickleball requires compliance across the paddle\u2019s useful life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Certifying a Prototype That Is Not the Production Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beta units and hand-tuned samples are valuable for development, but they are not substitutes for representative final-production samples. In a 2025 statement regarding the Ronbus Ripple, USA Pickleball emphasized that prototype testing did not constitute full certification and that final production samples had to pass the complete process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before submission, freeze:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bill of materials and approved suppliers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Core lot specification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foam and adhesive specifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Layup schedule<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mold and process recipe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shape, thickness, edge design, and handle construction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surface finish and final artwork<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Model name and model number<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Any performance-relevant change after submission should trigger a formal review and, where required, a new certification or model designation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Treating One Passing Sample as Proof of Batch Consistency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certification is model-based, but manufacturing risk is statistical. A brand needs evidence that the production window\u2014not one carefully selected unit\u2014can meet the requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A practical pilot-lot plan should sample units from different mold positions, shifts, core lots, and production dates. Record at least:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Finished weight and balance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thickness map<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bond and edge integrity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Surface roughness or an appropriately correlated process check<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deflection or other correlated structural metric<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Post-break-in performance on validation samples<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where an experienced&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/custom-oem-pickleball-paddles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">custom and OEM pickleball paddle<\/a>&nbsp;program creates value: the goal is not only to produce a powerful golden sample, but to reproduce the approved design at scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Using Certification Language Too Early<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not print a certification mark, claim tournament eligibility, or advertise a model as approved merely because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A similar factory platform has passed before<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An engineering sample passed internal screening<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A pre-production prototype received favorable results<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Another brand uses a comparable core<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The application has been submitted<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the relevant mark only after the exact model has completed the applicable process and appears on the official list. Product pages should link buyers to the current listing when making eligibility claims. For broader program planning, see NexaPaddle\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/usapa-approved-paddles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">paddles approuv\u00e9s par l'USAPA<\/a>&nbsp;resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Better OEM Compliance Workflow for Gen 3 Paddles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most reliable sequence is&nbsp;<strong>market decision \u2192 design freeze \u2192 pre-test \u2192 official submission \u2192 controlled production<\/strong>, not \u201claunch first and certify later.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase 1: Define the Competition Claim<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Decide whether the paddle is intended for recreational retail, USA Pickleball-sanctioned amateur play, professional PPA\/MLP exposure, or more than one route. Put the required certification path in the product brief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase 2: Build a Measurable Technical Specification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Replace \u201cmaximum power Gen 3 core\u201d with controlled material, construction, process, and performance ranges. Include revision numbers so purchasing, engineering, the factory, and the testing body are referring to the same build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase 3: Validate New and Broken-In Samples<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Test multiple units before submission. Do not use an influencer demo or specially tuned sample as the sole reference. Review performance change, structural condition, and sample-to-sample spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase 4: Freeze the Commercial Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lock the final artwork, name, model number, surface process, thickness, shape, handle, edge system, and bill of materials. Keep a signed master sample and a controlled specification pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase 5: Submit Representative Units<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow the current body-specific checklist. USAP and UPA-A have different sample, marking, logistics, and testing requirements. Do not assume approval from one program automatically replaces the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase 6: Control Production After Certification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use incoming-material checks, first-article approval, in-process control, pilot-lot validation, lot traceability, and periodic retained-sample testing. If the structure changes, stop using the old approval as a blanket claim until the change has been reviewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Free 2026 Buyer Checklist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Planning a Gen 3 or Gen 4-style paddle launch? Use the&nbsp;<strong>Pickleball Paddle FTO &amp; USAP\/UPA-A Compliance Checklist<\/strong>&nbsp;to review architecture, patent clearance, certification, contract allocation, pilot production, and launch approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026-pickleball-paddle-fto-usap-upaa-compliance-checklist.pdf\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026-pickleball-paddle-fto-usap-upaa-compliance-checklist.pdf\">Download the PDF checklist<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>CMS action before publishing: upload the supplied PDF to the gated form or WordPress media library and replace&nbsp;<code>CHECKLIST_DOWNLOAD_URL<\/code>&nbsp;with the final tracked URL.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1441\" src=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-oem-compliance-workflow-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3253\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-oem-compliance-workflow-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-oem-compliance-workflow-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-oem-compliance-workflow-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-oem-compliance-workflow-2048x1153.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-oem-compliance-workflow-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/gen3-oem-compliance-workflow-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the 2026 Enforcement Trend Means for Brands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certification is becoming less like a one-time launch document and more like an ongoing production obligation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">USA Pickleball began introducing field-testing technology at amateur tournaments in 2026. UPA-A rules allow market purchases, laboratory compliance checks, onsite testing, confiscation for further review, and penalties or delisting when paddles do not match the certified model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a brand, this changes the value of compliance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A pass result is not permission to relax the production specification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traceability matters when a field unit performs differently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A high-power design needs more\u2014not less\u2014process control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engineering changes must be managed as certification events, not informal factory substitutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The approved-list status should be checked throughout the product lifecycle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The strongest commercial position is not \u201cour Gen 3 paddle is as powerful as possible.\u201d It is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our model delivers the intended performance with documented margin, controlled production, and a clear certification path.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That statement is more credible to distributors, sponsored players, retailers, and consumers\u2014and it reduces the risk of returns, relabeling, stranded inventory, and reputation damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Answer: A Gen 3 Paddle Needs Both Performance Clearance and Patent Clearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no category-wide U.S. tournament ban on Gen 3 pickleball paddle cores. But it is no longer sufficient to ask only whether a model can pass USAP or UPA-A testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What matters is the exact finished model:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Has U.S. patent counsel compared its internal structure with the claims of the \u2019826, \u2019891, related continuation patents, and other relevant patent families?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does the design omit required claim limitations, or has the brand obtained an appropriate license?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does it meet the applicable power, spin, surface, dimension, and construction requirements?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does it remain compliant after break-in?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do production units match the submitted samples?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is the model currently listed by the organization governing the intended event?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are the certification mark and marketing claims used accurately?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For brands developing&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/power-pickleball-paddles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">paddles de pickleball puissants<\/a>, performance compliance and patent clearance should be built into the core specification, process window, validation plan, territorial sales plan, and purchase order before mass production begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NexaPaddle can support specification development, production-representative sampling, technical disclosure, factory-side quality planning, and preparation for third-party submission. Final certification decisions remain with the governing body, and final FTO or infringement conclusions must come from qualified patent counsel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions Fr\u00e9quemment Pos\u00e9es<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1785118554229\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Toutes les raquettes de pickleball Gen 3 sont-elles interdites aux \u00c9tats-Unis ?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Non. \u00ab Gen 3 \u00bb n'est pas une cat\u00e9gorie interdite. Certains mod\u00e8les individuels ont \u00e9t\u00e9 retir\u00e9s ou n'ont pas r\u00e9ussi la certification, mais d'autres raquettes haute performance restent \u00e9ligibles lorsque le mod\u00e8le exact respecte les normes applicables et figure sur la liste approuv\u00e9e.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1785118560159\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">L'approbation de USA Pickleball est-elle l\u00e9galement requise pour vendre une raquette aux \u00c9tats-Unis ?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Pas g\u00e9n\u00e9ralement. L'approbation de USA Pickleball d\u00e9termine l'\u00e9ligibilit\u00e9 pour les comp\u00e9titions sanctionn\u00e9es par USA Pickleball ; ce n'est pas une licence d'acc\u00e8s au march\u00e9 du gouvernement. Un vendeur peut encore avoir des obligations s\u00e9par\u00e9es en mati\u00e8re d'importation US, d'\u00e9tiquetage, de publicit\u00e9, d'avertissement chimique et de s\u00e9curit\u00e9 des produits.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1785118564993\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Quel est la limite actuelle de PBCoR de USA Pickleball ?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Le manuel des normes d'\u00e9quipement de USA Pickleball publi\u00e9 fixe une valeur PBCoR \u00e0 ne pas d\u00e9passer de\u00a0<strong>0.43 \u00e0 partir du 1er novembre 2025<\/strong>. Les marques doivent v\u00e9rifier le dernier manuel et les avis imm\u00e9diatement avant de finaliser la conception et la soumission.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1785118570338\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Une raquette inscrite sur la liste USAP est-elle automatiquement admissible pour jouer professionnellement en PPA ou MLP ?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Non. La certification UPA-A est requise pour les divisions professionnelles PPA et MLP en 2026. Les raquettes sur la liste USAP restent accept\u00e9es pour la comp\u00e9tition amateur lors des \u00e9v\u00e9nements UPA selon les directives actuelles de l'UPA-A.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1785118576011\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Une usine peut-elle utiliser une approbation existante pour un nouveau mod\u00e8le Gen 3 en marque de distributeur ?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Seulement lorsque les r\u00e8gles de similarit\u00e9 ou de mod\u00e8le de l'organisme de r\u00e9glementation sont satisfaites. Un noyau, une surface, une \u00e9paisseur, une forme, un design de bord, une construction de poign\u00e9e ou tout autre changement pertinent en termes de performance peuvent n\u00e9cessiter une d\u00e9signation de mod\u00e8le unique et de nouveaux tests. Ne supposez jamais que des outillages partag\u00e9s ou une apparence similaire transf\u00e8rent la certification.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1785118581705\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Changer une raquette Gen 3 en \u00ab Gen 4 \u00bb \u00e9vite-t-il les brevets de JOOLA ?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Pas par elle-m\u00eame. L'analyse des brevets suit les \u00e9l\u00e9ments physiques du produit et le libell\u00e9 des revendications, pas son nom de g\u00e9n\u00e9ration. Si la version Gen 4 utilise toujours un noyau, des \u00e9carts, des remplissages et un cadre dans une arrangement couvert par une revendication valide, renommer la technologie ne supprime pas le risque. Un tableau de revendications document\u00e9 et un avis FTO aux \u00c9tats-Unis sont n\u00e9cessaires.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Official Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/patentsgazette.uspto.gov\/week45\/OG\/html\/1540-2\/US12465826-20251111.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">U.S. Patent No. 12,465,826, USPTO Patent Gazette<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/patents.google.com\/patent\/US12357891B2\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">U.S. Patent No. 12,357,891, Google Patents record and claims<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usitc.gov\/secretary\/fed_reg_notices\/337\/337_1503_notice06042026sgl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">USITC Investigation No. 337-TA-1503 institution notice<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usitc.gov\/press_room\/news_release\/2026\/er0604_68696.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">USITC announcement explaining that no merits decision has yet been made<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/joola.com\/blogs\/updates\/joola-and-paddletek-group-settle-patent-dispute\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">JOOLA and Paddletek Group settlement announcement<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/equipment.usapickleball.org\/docs\/Equipment-Standards-Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">USA Pickleball Equipment Standards Manual, Revision 3.0<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/equipment.usapickleball.org\/equipment-submission-faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USA Pickleball Equipment Submissio<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/equipment.usapickleball.org\/equipment-submission-faq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">n FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/usapickleball.org\/usap-news\/equipment-news\/usa-pickleball-statements-on-de-certified-joola-paddles-and-equipment-testing-standards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">USA Pickleball statement on de-certified JOOLA paddles<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/usapickleball.org\/usap-news\/equipment-news\/statement-from-usa-pickleball-regarding-the-ronbus-ripple-paddle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">USA Pickleball statement on the Ronbus Ripple production samples<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/usapickleball.org\/usap-news\/equipment-news\/usa-pickleball-announces-long-term-partnership-with-pickleball-instruments-to-strengthen-equipment-compliance-and-player-safety\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">USA Pickleball 2026 field-testing announcement<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/upaa.unitedpickleball.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/UPA-A-Paddle-Rules-26.4.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">UPA-A Paddle Rules, Version 26.4<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/upaa.unitedpickleball.com\/paddle-testing\/2026-upa-a-certification\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">2026 UPA-A certification information<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/upaa.unitedpickleball.com\/2026-upa-a-certification-checklist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">2026 UPA-A certification checklist<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This article is for product-development and sourcing education, not legal advice or a freedom-to-operate opinion. Patent claims, ownership, continuation applications, litigation status, equipment standards, fees, and tournament policies can change. Have qualified U.S. counsel review the final product and current official records before importation, sale, or publication of a clearance claim.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Short answer: \u201cGen 3\u201d is not a prohibited core category, but a Gen 3 or Gen 4-style paddle can still create two separate U.S. risks: tournament ineligibility and patent infringement. Passing USAP or UPA-A testing does not provide patent clearance. But that answer needs an important qualification. Gen 3 is an industry and marketing term,&#8230;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3250,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3249","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3249","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3249"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3249\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3254,"href":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3249\/revisions\/3254"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3250"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3249"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3249"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nexapaddle.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3249"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}