The International Trade Commission voted to bar the importation of Garmin SideVu sonars after finding they infringe on a patent owned by Johnson Outdoors Inc. and used in its popular Humminbird fishfinders.
Johnson Outdoors confirmed that the full International Trade Commission (ITC) has affirmed the initial determination by the Administrative Law Judge that Garmin International Inc. violated section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 by importing and selling SideVu sonars.
“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 very pleased by this final determination by the ITC.”
Garmin officials said they will appeal the ruling.
“Garmin disagrees with the ITC and plans to appeal the determination,” said Andrew Etkind, Garmin vice president and general counsel. “Nevertheless, we do not expect the ruling to have any impact on Garmin customers or products. Garmin has already modified our software to address the ITC’s ruling, and we are ready to ship those products today. The ruling will have no impact on Garmin products already purchased by our customers and dealers, or any products purchased going forward.” The orders will go into effect pending the mandatory review by the U.S. trade representative.
