An administrative law judge from the International Trade Commission recently determined that technology company Garmin International Inc. violated section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 by importing and selling SideVü sonars, which the judge found infringe a Racine-based 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 and chief executive officer of 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.”
Among the judge’s findings, all three patents asserted by Johnson Outdoors are valid and enforceable and numerous models of Garmin’s SideVü sonars directly infringe six patent claims.
Upon adoption of the ITC ruling, Garmin’s infringing SideVü sonars that are manufactured overseas would be excluded from import into the United States and 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.
