December 14, 2024
5 Things to Know: December 14
Acuity Brands applies pressure to a new Cooper rep. Plus, the U.S. Department of Energy introduces a new look.
Here's a roundup of some of the week's happenings curated to help lighting people stay informed.
1. Mike Felton Departs JAW Lighting After Brief Tenure
JAW Lighting, a newly established lighting agency representing Cooper Lighting Solutions in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio, faces a leadership gap in its Ohio operations. Mike Felton, a key hire and Vice President of Ohio Valley operations, recently departed the agency following a brief three-week tenure.
Above: Mike Felton, photo credit, LinkedIn
Felton, an 11-year veteran of Acuity Brands, was recruited to oversee JAW Lighting’s Columbus and Cincinnati markets, drawing on his professional ties to agency principal Jim Williams from their shared connection to Acuity Brands.
Sources indicate that Felton's departure is related to non-compete and non-solicitation agreements from his prior role at Acuity Brands. It has been reported that Acuity sent correspondence to Felton and possibly to JAW Lighting to remind them of the obligations tied to those agreements. This development prompted Felton to exit his role, leaving JAW Lighting temporarily without a leader for its Ohio operations. The timing is notable as the agency officially began representing Cooper Lighting in Columbus and Cincinnati on December 1, marking a critical period for the startup.
Non-compete agreements have a limited shelf life, raising the possibility of Felton rejoining JAW Lighting in the future. For now, the agency is focused on maintaining its operational commitments as it continues to expand.
2 . Zumtobel Posts Slight Revenue and Profit Growth
The Zumtobel Group reported a 0.6% increase in revenues to €577.6 million ($612.3 million) for the first half of the 2024/25 financial year, with adjusted EBIT rising to €41.2 million ($43.7 million), a modest improvement over the previous year.
The Lighting Segment contributed €456.1 million ($483.5 million) in revenue, while the Components Segment – which includes Tridonic – grew by 3.4% to €157.3 million ($166.7 million). Net profit stood at €18.4 million ($19.5 million), reflecting the impact of ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, including challenges in construction activity across Europe. Despite these difficulties, the company saw positive revenue trends in its core European markets, supported by growth in Northern and Western Europe.
While Zumtobel maintains a U.S. presence in downstate New York, its European operations account for 85% of its sales, underlining the company’s strong market focus in the region. The Group continues to invest in innovation and strategic partnerships, such as its recent collaboration with ABB, to expand its portfolio of sustainable and intelligent lighting solutions.
3. Patent troll case vs. Cooper Lighting moves to Georgia
A year-old patent infringement lawsuit filed by DS Advanced Enterprises, Ltd. against deep-pocketed Cooper Lighting, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Amazon has been transferred from California to federal court in Georgia, where Cooper Lighting and Home Depot are headquartered. The case centers on allegations that the defendants infringed U.S. Patent No. 11,054,118, granted recently in 2021, which describes an apparatus for attaching LED light fixtures to ceilings or recessed housings.
Above: Image of HALO downlight in legal complaint
DS Advanced Enterprises, which appears to be an individual patent owner and not a lighting manufacturer, alleges that Cooper's HALO-brand CJB series downlights, sold through the other defendants, infringe on its patent by using retrofit clips, new construction clips, and integrated junction boxes to secure the fixtures. HALO, a brand with decades of history producing downlights, has more than 15 years of experience producing LED downlights that recess into a variety of ceiling types. DS Advanced Enterprises claims the contested features unlawfully replicate its patented attachment mechanisms, arguing that the products infringe on every claim of the patent.
The plaintiff has a similar case being litigated in Massachusetts vs. LEDVANCE.
4. U.S. Department of Energy Seeks Trademark for New Logo
In recent months, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has introduced a new logo as part of its evolving brand identity, while continuing to use its decades-old official seal for more formal government purposes. The new design features the words "U.S. DEPARTMENT OF" above "ENERGY," with the second "E" in "ENERGY" stylized to include a lightning bolt formed in negative space, evoking themes of energy and innovation.
Above: New DOE logo is a modern design featuring a lightning bolt formed in negative space. This replaces the former logo which incorporated the agency's official seal.
The trademark application for the logo, filed on July 10, 2024, is currently under review by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), with an examining attorney assigned on December 12, 2024. This move is uncommon for federal agencies, which typically rely on statutory protections for their seals rather than pursuing trademarks.
While the modern logo reflects a shift toward a more contemporary visual identity, the DOE’s official seal—featuring a shield with energy-related imagery, flanked by a bald eagle — remains in use for formal documents and communications. The trademark application covers a broad range of uses, including educational materials, technology promotion, and physical security services. If approved, it will represent a notable example of a federal agency embracing a dual-branding strategy.
5. Genlyte Solutions Partners with Idaho Lighting Solutions After Cooper Lighting Shift
Genlyte Solutions, a Signify business, has announced a new partnership with Idaho Lighting Solutions and Controls, marking a significant shift in regional sales representation. This development follows a shakeup earlier this year when Cooper Lighting, Genlyte’s sister company under Signify, ended its longtime relationship with Idaho Lighting Solutions in favor of a new partnership with Utah-based Quantum Lighting. Quantum, which expanded its operations into Idaho and other territories, took over Cooper’s regional representation in a strategic move four months ago.
Genlyte has now aligned with Cooper's former partner, Idaho Lighting Solutions, signaling a fresh collaboration. Idaho Lighting Solutions will represent Genlyte’s portfolio, including Color Kinetics, Alkco, Day-Brite, Gardco and Lumec. This transition ends Genlyte’s prior relationship with Northwest Lighting Alliance. Nexus Power will continue representing Philips lamps and Advance drivers and ballasts in the Idaho market.
