Three industry giants now find themselves in a potential court battle that involves braided superlines and scent-dispersal plastics.
Pure Fishing, claiming patent infringement, filed suit August 16 against both Normark (Sufix, Trigger X) and Shimano (PowerPro). Pure Fishing is asking the court for an injunction against sale of the products in question as well as "enhanced damages."
According to court documents, Pure Fishing alleges that both Sufix and PowerPro currently infringe on U.S. Patent No. 5,749,214 (granted 5/12/98) – or more specifically, the process of stretching and tensioning a superline after the twisting or braiding process in order to increase line strength.
Regarding the Trigger X suit, Pure Fishing alleges that Trigger X currently infringes on U.S. Patent No. 6,174,525 (granted 1/16/01) – or more specifically, the process of curing (drying) PVA biodegradable fishing lures.
Patent-infringement suits are actually quite common in the industry, although this case is notable given the size and importance of the companies involved.
Normark previously brought suit against Pure Fishing in January 2009 for trade-infringement against Normark's long-popular Rapala filet knives. That suit was settled out of court, reportedly in Normark's favor. Terms of the settlement were not made public.
