Humminbird Patent Infringement Lawsuit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: CYNTHIA GEORGESON
262-631-6600
Johnson Outdoors Files
Suit in Federal Court Against Maker of Lowrance
Navico ‘Willfully
Infringed’ On Side Imaging® Patent
RACINE, Wisconsin, January 27, 2010 -
Johnson Outdoors Inc. (JOUT: Nasdaq)
today announced it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against
Navico, Inc. for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,652,952 by Navico’s sale of
the Lowrance LSS-1 StructureScan Imaging System. Johnson Outdoors’ patent
protects the Humminbird® Side Imaging® sonar
technology. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court in
Johnson
Outdoors’ Side Imaging® sonar produces detailed and
recognizable images of underwater
objects and waterbeds enabling anglers to pinpoint habitat, structure and
drop-offs which are prime holding areas for fish. The patent application process began in 2004
prior to the Company’s introduction of Side Imaging® sonar in
Humminbird® 900 series fishfinder models the following year.
Consumer demand
prompted Johnson Outdoors to expand utilization of Side Imaging® sonar
technology across a broad range of its Humminbird® portfolio and was
a key driver behind the brand’s growth over the past four years. Following a comprehensive and methodical
review process, on January 26, 2010, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
granted the Company’s patent for “Side Imaging® sonar.”
“Our intellectual property policy is very simple: we will
respect the property of others and fiercely protect that of our own. We were diligent throughout the Side
Imaging® sonar technology patent
application process to ensure we achieved both because real innovation brings
real value which our customers and consumers expect and demand. By taking steps to protect our ideas and
inventions, we help ensure our ability to continue to bring forward meaningful
advances and innovative products that excite consumers and build our customers’
business,” said Kelly Grindle, Group Vice President Marine Electronics &
Watercraft.
The
Company’s complaint says Navico, Inc. expended substantial resources to inform
the trade and relevant purchasers of fish finding products, that it too would
use side scan technology to compete directly with Humminbird® Side Imaging® sonar products with knowledge that the U.S. Patent &
Trademark Office had approved the Company’s patent. The complaint further says Navico actively
induced infringement of the patent by resellers. .
The
Company is asking the Court to enjoin Navico from further infringement of the
patented Side Imaging®
sonar technology.
ABOUT JOHNSON OUTDOORS MARINE ELECTRONICS, INC.
Johnson
Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. consists of the Humminbird®,
Geonav® Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird is a leading innovator and
manufacturer of fishfinders, fishfinder/GPS combo units, chartplotters, marine
radios and digital depth gauges. Geonav is a manufacturer of high-quality, easy-to-use marine
electronics products. Minn Kota
is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as
offering a complete line of battery chargers, Trim Tabs and marine
accessories. Cannon is the leader in
controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and
accessories.
ABOUT JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
JOHNSON
OUTDOORS
is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure
with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures
and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four
categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Equipment.
Johnson Outdoors' familiar brands include, among others: Old Town®
canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak™ and Necky® kayaks;
Lendal® paddles; Carlisle® and Extrasport®
paddling accessories; Minn Kota® motors; Cannon®
downriggers; Humminbird® fishfinders; GEONAV® marine
electronics; SCUBAPRO® UWATEC® and Seemann® dive
equipment; Silva® compasses; Tech4O® digital
instruments; and Eureka!® tents.
Visit Johnson Outdoors at http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com
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