Humminbird Suing Lowrance Over Side-Scan Technology

[craigdritchie]

Interesting stuff .....

 

 

Johnson Outdoors Files Patent Infringement Suit Against Navico

 

Johnson Outdoors Inc., manufacturer of Humminbird marine electronics, has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Navico Inc. concerning Navico’s sale of the Lowrance LSS-1 StructureScan Imaging System.

 

Racine, WI-based Johnson Outdoors states that US Patent No. 7,652,952 protects Side Imaging sonar technology used in its Humminbird-branded fish finders. The company says its sonar produces detailed and recognizable images of underwater objects and waterbeds, enabling anglers to pinpoint habitat, structure and drop offs which are prime holding areas for fish. The patent application process is said to have began in 2004 prior to the company’s introduction of Side Imaging sonar in Humminbird 900 series fishfinder models the following year.

 

“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 Vice President Marine Electronics & Watercraft.

 

In a press release dated January 27, Tulsa, OK-based Navico re-affirmed that its LSS-1 StructureScan sonar imaging module option – compatible with HDS fishfinder/chartplotter multifunction displays – will continue to be sold, distributed and fully supported worldwide. “We are confident,” said Louis Chemi, COO for Navico Americas, “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.”

 

Lowrance introduced the LSS-1 StructureScan sonar imaging on at the Bassmaster Classic Expo, held in Shreveport, LA, in February 2009. Additional details, including the DownScan Imaging feature for Lowrance HDS displays, were revealed at the International Convention of Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), held in Orlando, FL in July 2009.

 

Johnson Outdoors is scheduled to release its first quarter financial results on Friday, February 5, 2010.

Edited January 29, 2010 by Craig_Ritchie

[Dara]

Let em fight it out. I'm going to get one and go fishing

[DRIFTER_016]

Let em fight it out. I'm going to get one and go fishing

 

 

Me Too!!!!

[uglyfish]

they're just mad cause lowrances unit looks so much better then humminbirds! lol

[John]

I knew that this one was coming. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. If I was Lowrance I wouldn't bet the farm on winning this one.

[aniceguy]

apperently Lowrance has told its dealers to continue selling its product as this case has no merit, I switched from traditional lowrance products to 2 new humminbirds with down imaging/sidescan the interlink every thing required to network it cost me roughly 2700 as opposed to double that to go to new lorance technology, maybe lowrance knew they are going to have to pay and gaffed the prices...dunno

Edited January 29, 2010 by aniceguy

[young_one]

when companies compete for better technologies and new advancements. We the consumer usually benefit

[ecmilley]

apperently Lowrance has told its dealers to continue selling its product as this case has no merit, I switched from traditional lowrance products to 2 new humminbirds with down imaging/sidescan the interlink every thing required to network it cost me roughly 2700 as opposed to double that to go to new lorance technology, maybe lowrance knew they are going to have to pay and gaffed the prices...dunno

really iremember looking at them and a 1157 was around 3200, i got the hds 8 for 2050 but is was still around 380 for the chip and I havn't seen the price of the module yet

[LeXXington]

when companies compete for better technologies and new advancements. We the consumer usually benefit

 

And pay $$$.

 

you can bet If they win, Prices goes up, If they lose prices goes up

[Greencoachdog]

Humminbird is the leader in sonar technology!

[aplumma]

Dawg have you been drinkin at 4:24 in the afternoon? Everyone knows Lowrance is the king of the universe in the /sonar world.....

 

Let the fight begin ..... O shoot did I type that out loud ? o well to late now.....

 

 

Art

[CLofchik]

when companies compete for better technologies and new advancements. We the consumer usually benefit

 

Or more accurately, when two corporations fight a patent war only the lawyers benefit.

[xeon]

I'm personally not big on side imaging. I spent 7 days straight fishing in a new $95,000usd Ranger with the top of the line humminbird side imaging unit, and another couple days with a midrange hbird side imaging unit. I think I caught more fish while using the depth/sonar features than running around a lake with a 300hp outboard burning gallons of gas looking for potential structure. Mind you I have no complaints with the side imaging, just think its something you don't really need.

[Greencoachdog]

I'm personally not big on side imaging. I spent 7 days straight fishing in a new $95,000usd Ranger with the top of the line humminbird side imaging unit, and another couple days with a midrange hbird side imaging unit. I think I caught more fish while using the depth/sonar features than running around a lake with a 300hp outboard burning gallons of gas looking for potential structure. Mind you I have no complaints with the side imaging, just think its something you don't really need.

 

 

Is that how you got your "frozen" Perch last year?

[xeon]

Is that how you got your "frozen" Perch last year?

 

Ya sure.

[F7Firecat]

they're just mad cause lowrances unit looks so much better then humminbirds! lol

 

So.......which unit is installed in your boat?

[Vanselena]

shortly they may both be in for a shock!

[Fisherman]

shortly they may both be in for a shock!

 

Hmmm, kinda leaves us hanging, are they playing with big bare wires or what

[aniceguy]

Hmmm, kinda leaves us hanging, are they playing with big bare wires or what

 

 

I was thinking the same as I heard a rumour re garmin

[Billy Bob]

Lowrance was the first YEARS ago to produce and sell depth finders for fishermen (The Green Box) and then came along Humminbird who probably copied Lowrance's product line...