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Humminbird Suing Lowrance Over Side-Scan Technology


craigdritchie

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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 by Craig_Ritchie
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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 by aniceguy
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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

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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

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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.

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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?

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