Humminbird files lawsuit against Navico's StructureScan

JOHNSON Outdoors Inc. announced it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Navico, Inc. for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,652,952 by Navico’s sale of the Lowrance LSS-1 StructureScan Imaging System.

Johnson Outdoors’ 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.

The patent application process began in 2004 prior to the Company’s introduction of Side Imaging® sonar in Humminbird® 900 series fishfinder models.

Following a review process on January 26, 2010, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the Company’s patent for “Side Imaging sonar”.

“Our intellectual property policy is very simple: we will respect the property of others and fiercely protect that of our own. We were diligent throughout the Side Imaging sonar technology patent application process to ensure we achieved both because real innovation brings real value which our customers and consumers expect and demand. By taking steps to protect our ideas and inventions, we help ensure our ability to continue to bring forward meaningful advances and innovative products that excite consumers and build our customers’ business,” said Kelly Grindle group VP Marine Electronics & Watercraft.

The Company’s complaint says Navico, Inc. expended substantial resources to inform the trade and relevant purchasers of fish finding products, that it too would use side scan technology to compete directly with Humminbird Side Imaging sonar products with knowledge that the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office had approved the Company’s patent. The complaint further says Navico actively induced infringement of the patent by resellers.

The Company is asking the Court to enjoin Navico from further infringement of the patented Side Imaging® sonar technology.

Navico released a statement today affirming continued commitment to StructureScan

Navico has re-affirmed the Lowrance LSS-1 StructureScan sonar imaging module – compatible with HDS multifunction displays – will continue to be sold, distributed and fully-supported worldwide.

This announcement was a direct response to a patent infringement lawsuit filed against Navico, Inc., by Johnson Outdoors.

Navico publicly announced the availability of LSS-1 StructureScan sonar imaging on 20 February, 2009, at the Bassmaster Classic Expo, held in Shreveport, La. Additional details – including the DownScan Imaging feature of StructureScan sonar imaging for Lowrance HDS displays – were revealed publicly on 15 July, 2009, at the International Convention of Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), held in Orlando, Florida. It was released globally in November, 2009.

The LSS-1 StructureScan sonar imaging is based on Navico’s sonar technology, which Navico said features features additional new technology not available from others, in a unique add-on module configuration.

Navico Americas COO Louis Chemi said: “We are confident in the uniqueness and value of Lowrance LSS-1 StructureScan sonar imaging. We also wish to assure our customers that the worldwide sale and distribution of StructureScan sonar imaging will absolutely continue as planned with full Lowrance support for years to come. Navico will vigorously defend the recent legal proceedings initiated by Johnson Outdoors.”