Navico: ITC rules that Garmin violated patents

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The International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled that Garmin Ltd. DownVu scanning sonar products violate Navico’s patents for DownScan Imaging technology, Navico said in a statement.

(See the ruling here.)

According to Navico, the ITC DownVu ruling prohibits Garmin from importing, selling, advertising and aiding or assisting distributors or retailers in selling all its infringing DownVu products, including the echo, echoMAP and GPSMAP products with their respective transducers.

Navico said that effective immediately resellers of Garmin DownVu products risk willfully infringing Navico’s patents if they continue to sell Garmin DownVu products, and they could be subject to an infringement suit.

Navico said advises against any distributor, dealer or retailer continuing marketing or selling these products and recommends that resellers seek independent legal advice if they have any questions in this matter. In addition, the ITC has ruled that Garmin must post a bond equal to 100 percent of the value of infringing products, when they sell from inventory or import any of these products into the U.S. during the 60-day review period.

“We are extremely pleased that the ITC has ruled in our favor,” said Leif Ottosson, CEO, Navico. “Our innovative DownScan Imaging provides real benefits to fishermen, and we have invested considerable time, effort and resources to develop and bring it to market. Our patents are designed to protect that investment.

“We offered our competitors the opportunity to license our technology and incorporate it into their products for the benefit of their customers – and many have. This offer was also made to Garmin, but they declined – putting everyone who sells their products in a difficult position. The situation is unfortunate for many dealers and distributors in the marine electronics marketplace, but we will continue to vigorously defend the intellectual property that protects our innovations and our leading position in the marketplace.”

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One Comment

  1. the Navico press release that you’ve released is inaccurate and misleading. The ITC ruling only applies to Garmin, not any dealers/retailers or any inventory that has already been purchased. I would expect you guys to do a little more research before you print info like this.

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