BinSentry Inc. has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against BarnTools, LLC in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.
The lawsuit filed by BinSentry, an agricultural technology company that develops agricultural feed bin level monitoring equipment, alleges that BarnTools infringes a BinSentry patent (U.S. Patent No. 12,359,958 titled “Bin Level Monitoring System”) issued on July 15, 2025, through its BinTalk products, including BinTalk and BinTalk Pro products.
“The patent covers, among other things, a bin level monitoring system that includes a sensor with mounting bracket, a transmitter, a circuit board, an enclosure, and a transmitter for collecting, processing, and transmitting feed-bin level data,” BinSentry said in a statement issued on Aug. 4.
Among other things, the complaint alleges that BarnTools’ own patent filings cited BinSentry’s published patent materials related to the asserted technologies, and that despite BarnTools’ knowledge of BinSentry’s then-pending patent application, BarnTools nevertheless continued to develop and market products that allegedly infringe BinSentry’s patent rights.
“BinSentry built a successful business model on a foundation of cutting-edge science and scalable proprietary technology that delivers clear, quantifiable value to our customers,” says BinSentry CEO Ben Allen. “Our technology platform is helping major protein producers and feed millers transition from outdated, inefficient manual systems to automated, real-time feed inventory management that is more efficient, more profitable, safer and more sustainable. This lawsuit is about protecting BinSentry’s innovation, standing up for our customers, employees, and investors, and supporting a fair and competitive marketplace.”
BarnTools Denies Claims in BinSentry Feed-Bin Sensor Patent Lawsuit
BarnTools believes these claims are without merit, says Michael Hansen, CEO of BarnTools.
“Our technology was independently developed, and we have full confidence that the legal process will confirm our position,” Hansen says. “BarnTools has earned its market leadership by solving real problems for livestock producers and advancing an industry that is ready for better technology. We will vigorously defend our innovations, but we will not allow unfounded litigation from a competitor to distract us from our mission, our customers, or the work ahead.”
BarnTools respects intellectual property rights and takes its obligations seriously, the company said in a statement to Farm Journal’s PORK.
“Since becoming aware of BinSentry’s allegations, we have obtained a strong non-infringement opinion from a nationally recognized patent law firm confirming our position,” Hansen says. “Competitors can choose to litigate. BarnTools will continue to innovate.”
BinSentry has demanded a jury trial. The company is seeking monetary damages for lost sales and the unauthorized use of its patented technology, as well as an injunction to prevent BarnTools from continuing to manufacture, market, import or sell the accused BinTalk systems and related software.
