Garmin International Inc.'s DownVM scanning sonar technology does not infringe upon any patented aspect of Navico Holdings AS’s downscan technology, according to an initial determination made by an administrative law judge (ALJ) at the International Trade Commission (ITC).
“Garmin is very pleased with the ALJ’s initial determination that our DownV products are not covered by any Navico patent,” said Andrew Etkind, Garmin’s vice president and general counsel. “This ruling demonstrates the steadfast determination by Garmin to fight any and all baseless patent claims.”
“Our competitors have been investing their resources in baseless litigation which does not benefit customers or the industry. We believe that investing in research and development results in unique innovations such as our DownV sonar that offer superior value to our customers. This legal victory validates our approach.”
The ruling is subject to review by the ITC.
Garmin’s marine portfolio includes some of the industry’s most advanced chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar technology, high-definition radar, autopilots, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability and ease-of-use.