Humminbird granted patent for Side Imaging tech

  • jhalfen
    Posts: 4179
    #1294943

    Humminbird Side Imaging patent

    EUFAULA, Ala. (Jan. 26, 2010) – The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted U.S. Patent No. 7,652,952 to Johnson Outdoors Inc. for the Humminbird(r) Side Imaging(r) technology. The approved patent protects Humminbird’s Side Imaging sonar systems from unauthorized copying.

    “Our Side Imaging sonar technology is one of the most heralded innovations in the marine electronics industry in decades,” said Kelly Grindle, Group Vice President of Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics & Watercraft. “It is a game changer for anglers who demand the best equipment available to help locate and catch more fish.”

    Humminbird first introduced Side Imaging sonar in 2005 in two of its 900-Series fishfinder models. Spurred by consumer demand, Humminbird expanded its offering of Side Imaging models to its 700-, 800-, and 1100-Series(tm) product lines.

    Side Imaging sonar produces dramatically detailed and recognizable images of underwater objects and the bottom. These images allow anglers to pinpoint habitat, structure and drop-offs, which are prime holding areas for fish. With a coverage area of up to 480 feet side-to-side, anglers can search more water in less time to find the most promising areas to fish.

    “Humminbird has created an entirely new sonar category in Side Imaging technology, and we have been thorough in our product development and patent process to assure that our technology is sound,” said Grindle. “We continue our efforts to enhance Side Imaging technology and will offer more features in the near future.”

    85lund
    Menomonie, WI
    Posts: 2317
    #836484

    So what does this mena for the Lowrance technology coming out? Is it not the same technology as hb uses?

    ottomatica
    Lino Lakes, MN
    Posts: 1380
    #836586

    Yeah, I don’t get some of these patents. GPS trolling motor control has been patented since the early 90’s and now Minn Kota has a patent on their control. Did they have to pay the original guy or did they find a way around the patent? I don’t get it.

    john23
    St. Paul, MN
    Posts: 2578
    #836610

    Intellectual property law is incredibly complicated. I doubt we could get a complete answer on the impact of the patent on an internet discussion board.

    Lowrance would have known about HB’s patent application when they developed and decided to market their technology. If HB goes after Lowrance for patent infringement (and maybe they already are), expect Lowrance to be prepared. That’s not to say that Lowrance would “win”, just that they’ve no doubt got a plan in place that they hope will deal with it.

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