Johnson Outdoors Inc. filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Lowrance parent Navico, Inc., alleging the company’s sale of its Lowrance LSS-1 StructureScan Imaging System infringement on a Johnson Outdoors patent. JOUT said its patent protects the Humminbird Side Imaging sonar technology. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court in Alabama, the home of Humminbird products for more than 50 years.
JOUT said Side Imaging sonar produces detailed and recognizable images of underwater objects and waterbeds enabling anglers to pinpoint habitat, structure and drop-offs that 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 JOUT 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, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 26, 2010 granted the company's patent for “Side Imaging sonar.”
Navico said in a statement released Jan. 27 that it introduced availability of LSS-1 StructureScan sonar imaging with compatible fishfinder/chartplotter multifunction displays in February and July 2009. The Tulsa, OK company said it will vigorously defend the lawsuit and that the cited products, which feature “new technology not available from others” would continue to be sold.
JOUT is asking the court to enjoin Navico from further infringement of the patented Side Imaging sonar technology.
