ADT loses appeal in case against Alder, formerly APT

SALT LAKE CITY—Alder, formerly Alarm Protection Technology or APT, recently prevailed in a legal battle with ADT, which had alleged that Alarm Protection Technology engaged in trademark infringement and fraudulent and deceptive sales tactics.

One month after oral argument, the United States Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in late March affirmed the final judgment for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, which found that APT “did not in any way infringe upon ADT's name or trademark, nor did APT's representatives engage in fraudulent and deceptive sales practices,” according to Adam Christian, general counsel for Alder.

ADT, based in Boca Raton, Fla., was seeking $27 million in damages. When contacted by Security Systems News, ADT declined to comment on the court's decision.

“The jury's decision showed that we do things the right way,” Christian told Security Systems News. “With this case behind us, we will continue to strive to give our customers the best possible products and service that we can offer.”

“The court's ruling sends the important message that the small, honest business owner can still succeed despite corporate efforts to bully the little guy,” Alder CEO Adam Schanz said in a statement announcing the court ruling.

Alder, with approximately 60,000 customers in 22 states, specializes in security, home automation and life safety products.

Christian noted that Alder “has experienced growth well over 500 percent from 2012 to date,” he said. “By this time next year, RMR will exceed $5 million. Based on our stability and unique compensation model, Alder expects to continue to drive exponential growth year over year.”