Z-Man Fishing Products, Inc. and Phenix Rod & Bait this week announced that Phenix has agreed to discontinue all manufacture, marketing and sale of its Vibrator jig. Z-Man filed a lawsuit on March 28, 2011, alleging that Phenix's Vibrator jig infringed the patent and trade-dress rights of the ChatterBait lure.
The news comes on the eve of the ICAST industry tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nev.
Phenix co-owner Charles Benge stated: "After reviewing the facts of the case and conferring with counsel, Phenix now has a much greater respect and understanding of the intellectual-property rights surrounding the Original ChatterBait."
The settlement amount was not disclosed, but in addition to a monetary settlement, Phenix has agreed to cease all sales of the Vibrator jig and any other infringing designs within 60 days.
Z-Man president Jonathan Zucker announced: "We're glad to put this particular matter to rest. This settlement marks another accomplishment in Z-Man's policing campaign to protect the intellectual-property value in the ChatterBait product line, and we'll continue to see to it that all infringers are pursued to the fullest extent of the law. Our intention is that situations like this will help educate the fishing-tackle industry about the importance of respecting the intellectual-property rights of others."
