moveu’s Dr. Mike Sues Therabody Over Theragun‍ Attachment Patents

Updated June 25, 2025
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Michael Wasilisin, known as⁣ Dr. Mike of MoveU,⁣ is suing Therabody, alleging the company improperly excluded him from patents for thumb and wedge attachments for its Theragun massage devices. The lawsuit, filed in ⁢California, claims Wasilisin had a handshake agreement⁢ with Therabody⁣ founder Jason Wersland, also ‍a chiropractor, where Wasilisin would promote Theragun in exchange for⁣ compensation, possibly including a boat.

Wasilisin claims⁢ he held up his‍ end of the deal by promoting Theragun to his millions of followers across social media platforms like instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. Though, he says he never received the promised compensation or recognition for his designs.

The ‍lawsuit alleges that Wasilisin’s name‍ was left off two patents for the thumb and wedge tips that attach to the percussive ⁣massage devices. He is seeking to be listed as the sole inventor on the patents, as well as compensatory and punitive damages, and an ⁣accounting of Therabody products sold with the attachments. wasilisin’s lawyer estimates the case could be worth millions.

Therabody’s general counsel, Jonathan Feldman, stated that the claims are without merit. “Therabody has a ⁢proud history of innovation and collaboration,and we take intellectual property rights very seriously,” Feldman said. “We intend to vigorously⁣ defend ourselves against these allegations and look forward to sharing the facts⁢ through⁤ the appropriate legal process.”

Wasilisin claims ⁢he met with⁣ Wersland in August 2017 and presented his thumb ⁤and wedge ⁤tip designs, prototypes, drawings, and other⁤ documentation. ⁤He says they agreed that Therabody⁢ could patent his designs, but only if he was listed as the inventor and compensated for his work. He then shipped ‍the attachments to Therabody’s⁤ offices.

According to the lawsuit, Therabody filed⁢ two patents ⁣for the thumb and wedge massage tips five months later, without informing Wasilisin or listing his name. Wersland ‍and⁢ two others were ⁤listed as inventors rather. In 2021, Wersland allegedly texted Wasilisin acknowledging his contribution and promising to rectify the situation, but Wasilisin’s name was never‍ added to the patents.

Wasilisin says he promoted Theragun for free, believing his involvement would be formalized and he would be fairly compensated. He claims Therabody offered‍ him a “bogus contract” that he refused ⁤to sign.He says Wersland asked him to drop the matter, leaving Wasilisin feeling betrayed.

Wasilisin maintains he wants⁢ Therabody and Wersland to succeed but also wants ⁢acknowledgement for his work. His lawyer stated that Therabody’s use of Wasilisin’s designs is undeniable.

What’s next

The case will proceed through the legal system, with both sides presenting⁢ evidence and arguments. The outcome could have significant implications for⁢ intellectual property rights⁤ and collaboration agreements ⁣in ‍the health‍ and wellness industry.