RACINE, Wis., July 15, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Johnson Outdoors (Nasdaq:JOUT) today confirmed that an Administrative Law Judge at the International Trade Commission (ITC) has determined that Garmin International, Inc. violated section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 by importing and selling SideVü sonars, which the judge found infringe a Johnson Outdoors Inc. side scan sonar patent used in certain Humminbird® fishfinders.
"Humminbird's pioneering, patented side scan sonar technology, marketed under its Side Imaging® brand, is the gold standard in fishfinders. This reflects our unique understanding of anglers and our expertise in designing products which provide the best fishing experience on the water," said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman & CEO, Johnson Outdoors. "We are recognized as an innovation leader…a Company that respects the intellectual property of others and protects its own. Obviously, we're pleased by this initial victory and look forward to a final resolution by the ITC regarding this matter in the months ahead."
Key findings of the Administrative Law Judge at the ITC include, among others:
- All three patents asserted by Johnson Outdoors are valid and enforceable
- Numerous models of Garmin's SideVü sonars directly infringe six patent claims
Upon adoption of this ruling by the ITC:
- Garmin's infringing SideVü sonars which are manufactured overseas would be excluded from import into the United States
- A cease and desist order would be issued prohibiting Garmin from selling any infringing product from its inventory.
The ruling is subject to review by the ITC.
Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. of Eufaula, Alabama, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson Outdoors Inc., manufactures and markets a full range of fishing electronics under the Minn Kota®, Humminbird® and Cannon® brand umbrellas.
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 Gear. Johnson Outdoors' familiar brands include, among others: Old Town® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak™ and Necky® kayaks; Carlisle® paddles; Extrasport® personal flotation devices; Minn Kota® motors; Cannon® downriggers; Humminbird® marine electronics; LakeMaster® electronic charts; SCUBAPRO® and SUBGEAR® dive equipment; Silva® compasses; Jetboil® outdoor cooking systems; and Eureka!® camping and hiking equipment.
Visit Johnson Outdoors at http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com