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Shimano Accused of Infringing Patent for Braided Fishing Line
Shimano Inc., a Japanese maker of fishing gear and bicycle parts, was sued for patent infringement by an Iowa patent holder.
According to the complaint filed Aug. 16 in federal court in Columbia, South Carolina, Shimano’s Shimano American unit is accused of importing and selling fishing lines that infringe patent 5,749,214.
The patent, issued in May 1998, is held by Jarden Corp.’s Pure Fishing unit. Pure Fishing, based in Columbia, produces fishing gear under brands including Shakespeare, Mitchell, Berkley and Pflueger. The patent covers braided or twisted gel spun polyolefin yarns of a high strength.
Pure Fishing claims the “Power Pro” fishing line produced by Shimano’s Innovative Textiles unit infringes the patent and compete unfairly with its own products.
It asked the court to order Shimano to halt the alleged infringement and for awards of money damages, attorney fees and ligation costs. The company also asked for extra damages to punish Shimano and Innovative textiles for their actions.
Pure Fishing is represented by Thomas G. Pasternak of Washington’s Steptoe & Johnson LLP, and James H. Fowles III, Douglas J. Rosinski, and Christopher J. Near of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC of Greenville, South Carolina.
The case is Pure Fishing Inc. v. Shimano American Corp., 3:10-cv-02139-CMC, U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina (Columbia).
FISH HUNTER
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