November 18, 2015

JOHNSON OUTDOORS AND HUMMINBIRD(R) RECEIVE FAVORABLE ITC RULING AGAINST GARMIN - NOVEMBER 2015

RACINE, Wis., Nov. 18, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Johnson Outdoors Inc.(Nasdaq:JOUT) today confirmed that the full International Trade Commission(ITC) has affirmed the initial determination by the Administrative Law Judge that Garmin International, Inc. violated section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 by importing and selling SideVü sonars, which the ITC affirmed infringe a Johnson Outdoors Inc. side scan sonar patent used in certain Humminbird® fishfinders.  

"Humminbird's pioneering, patented side scan sonar technology, marketed under its Side Imaging® brand, is the gold standard in fishfinders. This reflects our unique understanding of anglers and our expertise in designing products which provide the best fishing experience on the water," said Helen Johnson-Leipold, Chairman & CEO, Johnson Outdoors. "We are recognized as an innovation leader...a Company that respects the intellectual property of others and protects its own. Obviously, we're very pleased by this final determination by the ITC."    

The ITC affirmed that:

  • All three patents asserted by Johnson Outdoors are valid and enforceable
  • Numerous models of Garmin's SideVü sonars directly infringe six Johnson Outdoors patent claims

The ITC also issued:

  • A limited exclusion order barring Garmin's infringing SideVü sonar systems and components thereof which are manufactured overseas from import into the United States
  • A cease and desist order prohibiting Garmin from selling or distributing any infringing product or component thereof from its inventory.

The orders will go into effect pending the mandatory review by the U.S. trade representative. 

Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. of Eufaula, Alabama, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson Outdoors Inc., manufactures and markets a full range of fishing electronics under the Minn Kota®, Humminbird® and Cannon® brand umbrellas.

ABOUT JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that turns ideas into adventure with innovative, top-quality products.  The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Marine Electronics, Diving and Outdoor Gear.  Johnson Outdoors' familiar brands include, among others: Old Town® canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak™ and Necky® kayaks; Carlisle® paddles; Extrasport® personal flotation devices; Minn Kota® motors; Cannon® downriggers; Humminbird® marine electronics; SCUBAPRO®; Silva® compasses; Jetboil® outdoor cooking systems; and Eureka!® camping and hiking equipment. 

CONTACT: AT JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.DAVID JOHNSON

         VP & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

         262-631-6600



         PATRICIA PENMAN

         VP - GLOBAL MARKETING SERVICES & COMMUNICATION

         262-631-6600

Source: Johnson Outdoors Inc.

 

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