Johnson Outdoors Files Another Patent Complaint on Imports of Garmin Sonar Devices

Johnson Outdoors on June 18 filed a complaint at the International Trade Commission requesting a ban on imports of Garmin marine sonar imaging systems that allegedly infringe its patents. Johnson says the SideVu/DineVu sonar imaging transducer introduced in 2014 infringes patents it holds related to its Humminbird fishfinder devices first sold seven years earlier. The patented technology provides recreational fisherman with a high-resolution image of what lies beneath the water underneath and to the sides of the boat. The ITC recently began a separate Section 337 investigation into patent infringement by imports of Garmin products with SideVu and DownVu technologies at the request of Navico (see 14070918). Like Navico, Johnson Outdoors is seeking limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders banning importation and sale of the allegedly infringing devices. The ITC is asking for comments by Aug. 4 on public interest factors raised by the company's request for import bans.