North Sails Files Lawsuit Against Emirates Team New Zealand Over AC75 Mainsail Luff Patent
North Sails initiated a legal action in a U.S. court against Emirates Team New Zealand, challenging the validity of a patent held by the America’s Cup Defender regarding a mainsail luff design feature used on AC75 yachts. The dispute centers on whether the sail supplier should share co-inventorship credit for technology developed during collaboration between the two entities.
While teams historically relied solely on outside suppliers for such equipment, much of the design work for recent America’s Cup cycles has moved in-house, blurring the lines of intellectual property ownership.
Defending the Patent and Facing Potential Design Overhauls
Emirates Team New Zealand stated that they have been given no choice but to defend their valid patent, intellectual property, and a number of factually inaccurate accusations, prompting them to file a response seeking an immediate dismissal of the lawsuit. If the Defender ultimately prevails and the patent remains enforceable, competing syndicates may need to secure licenses, make design changes, or negotiate other arrangements to avoid infringement during the upcoming competition.
Conversely, a victory for North Sails could upend who controls the crucial sail technology. If the court rules that inventorship or ownership is currently incorrect, the ruling would substantially alter the intellectual property landscape for the AC75 class boats, which feature a helm and trimmer on each side of the hull, a fifth crew position, and a sixth passenger position.
Timeline for the 38th America’s Cup Match in Naples
The legal battle unfolds as teams prepare for the 38th America’s Cup. Defender Emirates Team New Zealand and Challenger of Record Athena Racing confirmed the official event Protocol on August 12, 2025. The initial entry period closed on October 31, 2025, with late entries accepted up to March 31, 2026.
The event schedule shifts to Naples, Italy, after Barcelona declined to host a subsequent edition following the 2024 races. Challenger selection racing is scheduled from May 22 to July 4, 2026, leading directly into the 38th Match from July 10 to 19. Preliminary regattas are planned to precede the main events, with confirmed stops in Cagliari, Italy, from May 22 to 24, 2026, and Naples from September 24 to 27, 2026.
Confirmed Entrants for the 38th America’s Cup
- Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) – Defender
- Athena Racing (GBR) – Challenger of Record
- Luna Rossa (ITA) – Challenger
- Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI) – Challenger
- La Roche-Posay Racing Team (FRA) – Challenger
- American Racing Challenger Team USA (USA) – Challenger
- Team Australia (AUS) – Challenger
Frequently Asked Questions About the Patent Dispute
What specific sail component does the patent cover?
The disputed patent covers a mainsail luff design feature utilized on the AC75 class yachts. North Sails contends that the development of this feature involved both parties, yet the issued patent currently lists only the Defender as the inventor.
What happens if North Sails wins the lawsuit?
If North Sails succeeds in proving that the inventorship or ownership is incorrect, it could alter who controls the defining sail technologies of the current AC75 era. Such a ruling might force modifications to how teams license or utilize the design moving forward.
How many preliminary regattas are scheduled for the 38th America’s Cup?
The Protocol outlines an intent to hold as many preliminary regattas as possible, targeting three events during 2026 and potentially one in early 2027. Thus far, organizers have revealed two stops: Cagliari in May and Naples in September 2026.
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