Netgear Countersues TP-Link Over Alleged False Advertising of American Origin

Netgear filed a countersuit against TP-Link in Delaware federal court on June 11. The company argues that the competitor's claim to be an American business constitutes false advertising under the Lanham Act.

Netgear alleges competitor misleads consumers about manufacturing origins and market dominance in U.S. router sales

This legal action follows news that TP-Link Technologies joined the U.S. Department of Defense list of Chinese military companies just one day before the filing. Netgear contends that a recent corporate restructuring did not change the fundamental nature of the company's operations or manufacturing base.

The lawsuit highlights significant disagreements over market presence and product origins. Netgear claims TP-Link employs more than 13,000 workers in China and sources 99.5 percent of its components for U.S.-bound products from there. The company argues that labeling these devices as made in Vietnam misleads consumers.

Disputes also center on market share figures within the United States. Netgear's filing estimates TP-Link holds roughly 65 percent of the retail router market, while the competitor maintains its North American residential Wi-Fi segment share remains under 10 percent.