ThreatModeler vs. IriusRisk: Threat Modeling Patent Dispute Settled in Delaware
In a closely watched cybersecurity IP dispute, ThreatModeler Software, Inc. v. IriusRisk, Inc. concluded with a stipulated dismissal with prejudice after 344 days of litigation in the Delaware District Court. Filed on January 30, 2025, and closed on January 9, 2026, the case centered on US Patent No. 11,314,872 B2 — a software patent covering threat modeling technology — and alleged infringement by IriusRisk’s commercial threat modeling platform.
The settlement, entered under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(a)(1)(A)(ii), resolved the dispute before trial, with each party bearing its own costs and attorney fees. While no damages were publicly disclosed, the outcome carries significant implications for the rapidly growing threat modeling software market and the broader cybersecurity patent litigation landscape.
For patent attorneys, IP professionals, and R&D teams operating in security software, this case offers a critical lens into assertion strategies, defensive positioning, and freedom-to-operate considerations in an increasingly competitive IP environment.
Que souhaitez-vous faire ensuite ?
Choisissez votre parcours en fonction de vos besoins actuels :
📋 Résumé de l'affaire
| Nom de l'affaire | ThreatModeler Software, Inc. v. IriusRisk, Inc. |
| Numéro de dossier | 1:25-cv-00129 (D. Del.) |
| Tribunal | Tribunal fédéral de première instance pour le district du Delaware |
| Durée | Jan 30, 2025 – Jan 9, 2026 344 Days |
| Résultat | Réglé – Rejet avec préjudice |
| Brevets en cause | |
| Produits incriminés | IriusRisk’s Threat Modeling Platform (IaC & StartLeft Functionality) |
Aperçu du dossier
Les parties
⚖️ Demandeur
U.S.-based cybersecurity company specializing in automated threat modeling solutions for enterprise and government clients.
🛡️ Défendeur
Operates a threat modeling platform used across financial services, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering cloud-based and on-premises deployments.
Le brevet en cause
The asserted patent, US11314872B2 (Application No. US17/479815), covers technology in the threat modeling and cybersecurity software domain. In plain terms, the patent relates to automated systems and methods for identifying, analyzing, and modeling security threats — a foundational capability in modern DevSecOps workflows.
- • US11314872B2 — Automated systems and methods for identifying, analyzing, and modeling security threats.
Developing a threat modeling solution?
Check if your platform’s features might infringe this or related patents before launch.
Le verdict et l'analyse juridique
Résultat
The case was resolved through a stipulated voluntary dismissal with prejudice pursuant to FRCP 41(a)(1)(A)(ii). Both parties jointly agreed to dismiss all claims, with each side bearing its own attorneys’ fees and costs. No injunctive relief, damages award, or ongoing royalty structure was publicly disclosed as part of the court record.
Principales questions juridiques
The case was initiated as a patent infringement action, with ThreatModeler asserting that IriusRisk’s IaC and StartLeft functionalities infringed claims of US11314872B2. The pre-trial settlement prevents the public record from revealing claim construction rulings, validity determinations, or infringement findings. However, several strategic dynamics are noteworthy:
- IaC and StartLeft as accused features represent core automation capabilities in IriusRisk’s platform.
- DLA Piper’s involvement for the defense suggests IriusRisk treated this as a high-stakes matter.
- The absence of a fee-shifting order is consistent with arm’s-length settlement dynamics.
Because the case settled before claim construction or substantive rulings, US11314872B2 remains untested in adversarial proceedings. This is an important signal: the patent’s claims have neither been validated nor invalidated by judicial scrutiny, leaving their scope and enforceability as live questions for future proceedings or licensing negotiations.
Analyse de la liberté d'exploitation (FTO)
This case highlights critical IP risks in threat modeling software. Choose your next step:
📋 Comprendre l'impact de cette affaire
Découvrez les risques et les implications spécifiques liés à ce litige.
- View related patents in the threat modeling space
- Découvrez quelles entreprises sont les plus actives dans le domaine des brevets liés à la cybersécurité.
- Comprendre les modèles d'interprétation des revendications pour les brevets logiciels
🔍 Vérifier les risques liés à mon produit
Effectuez une analyse FTO complète pour votre propre technologie ou produit.
- Saisissez la description de votre produit ou ses caractéristiques techniques.
- L'IA identifie les brevets susceptibles de constituer un obstacle
- Obtenir un rapport d'évaluation des risques exploitable
Zone à haut risque
Automated Threat Model Generation
1 Brevet en cause
Covering core threat modeling tech
Options de contournement
Available for evolving features
✅ Points clés à retenir
Delaware remains a preferred venue; Chief Judge Noreika brings predictability and IP depth.
Rechercher la jurisprudence connexe →Mapping patent claims to specific named product features strengthens infringement narratives.
Découvrez les outils de cartographie des sinistres →US11314872B2 has no adverse claim construction or validity ruling on record — it remains a viable enforcement asset.
Review patent validity analysis →Foire aux questions
The case involved US Patent No. 11,314,872 B2 (Application No. US17/479815), covering threat modeling software technology.
The case was dismissed with prejudice via stipulated settlement under FRCP 41(a)(1)(A)(ii) on January 9, 2026. Each party bore its own costs; no public damages award was entered.
It signals active IP enforcement in the threat modeling market — particularly around IaC automation features — and leaves US11314872B2 judicially untested, preserving its enforceability against future defendants.
Prêt à renforcer votre stratégie en matière de brevets ?
Rejoignez plus de 18 000 professionnels de la propriété intellectuelle qui utilisent PatSnap Eureka pour effectuer des recherches d'antériorité, rédiger des brevets et analyser le paysage concurrentiel avec une précision optimisée par l'IA.
Références
- USPTO Patent Center – US11314872B2
- PACER Case Lookup – 1:25-cv-00129
- U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware – Chief Judge Noreika
- Institut d'information juridique de Cornell — FRCP 41(a)(1)(A)(ii)
- PatSnap — Solutions de veille en matière de propriété intellectuelle pour les cabinets d'avocats
Cet article est publié à titre purement informatif et ne constitue en aucun cas un avis juridique. Toutes les informations relatives aux affaires sont tirées de dossiers judiciaires accessibles au public. Pour en savoir plus sur les fonctionnalités de la plateforme, rendez-vous sur PatSnap.