Rugged mobile device case maker OtterBox has announced that it has acquired TreeFrog Developments Inc., DBA LifeProof for an undisclosed amount, and has officially dropped allegations of patent infringement against the company. The announcement was made at the CTIA conference on Wednesday.
In a subsequent press release posted to the OtterBox’s website, CEO Brian Thomas said LifeProof will slowly be incorporated into the OtterBox family over the next 30 days, with current employees to remain at the purchased company’s San Diego, Calif. headquarters.
LifeProof, makers of a line of waterproof iPhone and iPad cases, employs about 250 people, who will join the roughly 650 employees OtterBox employs around the world.
“The joining of OtterBox and LifeProof is a way to combine two great brands and provide customers with even more great products, services and choices for smartphone accessories,” Thomas said. “Our goal in this acquisition is to create more value for our customers than we ever could have generated while operating individually.”
OtterBox had filed a lawsuit against LifeProof in August 2011, claiming the company had infringed on four properties pertaining to protective device enclosures. The case was officially terminated today.
