Johnson Outdoors has resolved an inquiry by the European Commission into trade practices in their ScubaPro/UWATEC diving division and has also been able to secure a restraining order to keep a former employee from going to work for a competitor.
In February of last year the competition department of the EC initiated formal proceedings in the case, which concerned former distribution arrangements for the company's European Diving subsidiaries. The EC stated that an unspecified fine could be levied against JOUT.
Johnson Outdoors said they cooperated fully with the inquiry, and responded to the commission's views at a hearing last summer. The inquiry concluded with no fine or further action taken against the company.
In other JOUT legal news, the company has been issued a temporary restraining order against Richard Feehan, former General Manager of Old Town canoe and kayak, Johnson Outdoors largest paddle sports brand.
The order, issued by the Superior Court of Maine, is in response to Feehan accepting a position with Confluence. The company believed the appointment breached certain terms of Mr. Feehans non-compete agreement, and filed suit in Maine to enforce his compliance.
“This TRO does exactly what our existing agreement intended protects us, our customers and shareholders, while still enabling Rich to pursue a range of employment opportunities. However, non-compete means non-compete, and we will enforce our rights whenever necessary,” said Jerry Perkins, Chief Operating Officer of Johnson Outdoors.
