F45 Loses Four Year ‘Copy Cat’ Legal Battle

SYDNEY, Australia – Leading boutique fitness heavyweight, F45, has lost a four year legal battle in the Federal Court of Australia, against Body Fit Training (BFT).

The long standing battle to prevent BFT from offering the functional fitness programming model that F45 has become synonymous with, has fallen flat, with the court determining that both of F45’s innovation patents were invalid.

“We are thrilled that the Federal Court in Australia has ruled in favour of BFT against F45,” said Cameron Falloon, in a statement with Joint CEO of BFT, Richard Burnet.

In the judges findings, it was deemed that F45’s patents were invalid because none of the inventions are a method of manufacture. It was also found that even if these has been valid, that BFT did not infringe them in the process of building their fitness offering.

The BFT founders thanked their franchisees, members and industry partners for their unwavering support, belief and trust in their brand, throughout the lengthy legal case.

“We look forward to continuing to offer a different and better product, as Australia’s fastest growing fitness franchise,” they added.

Despite the case concluding this week with a clear ruling, the saga had not prevented US fitness juggernaut Xponential from adding the BFT brand to its portfolio in a partnership deal in October 2021. The deal consisted of a $60m cash upfront deal, plus additional payments based on growth.

Read More: Xponential Fitness Adds 10th Brand To Portfolio With Australia’s Body Fit Training

With its patents revoked, F45 were ordered by the court to pay BFTs costs.