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A Japanese company is suing Springfield-based Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World over alleged patent and trademark infringement in connection with its fishing lures.
In the lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in Miami, Duel Co. accuses Bass Pro of selling products that infringe on U.S. Patent No. 7,752,801, which it was issued in July 2010.
“In general, the technology at issue in the ’801 Patent describes an improved fishing lure that changes color according to a viewing direction,” the complaint reads.
The lawsuit complaint doesn’t state exactly how many products the company believes infringe on the patent but does single out Bass Pro’s Offshore Angler Island Popper series “by way of example.”
According to Bass Pro’s website, the series “takes lure-making to a whole new level.”
“From the lifelike prism eyes to the deep, multi-layered reflective finishes, to the strike-enticing rattles, these lures are absolutely state-of-the-art,” the Bass Pro website reads. “Rattle up a lunker with the Island Popper.”
Duel also claims that Bass Pro products marked RATTLIN VIBE infringe on its RATTL’N trademark registered in August 2013. The suit claims Bass Pro did this “willfully and intentionally” in order to “steal the goodwill” associated with Duel and to divert potential customers.
Additional counts in the lawsuit, which was first reported by Bloomberg, allege false destination of origin and federal unfair competition under the Lanham Act, as well as common law trademark infringement under Florida law.
A spokeswoman for Bass Pro said Thursday that the company does not comment on ongoing litigation.
Duel’s website states that the company “has been making quality lures and fishing lines for over 40 years in Japan.” It distributes its products through a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary in Port St. Lucie, Fla., according to the lawsuit.
Springfield-based Bass Pro Shops is a privately held retailer of hunting, fishing and other outdoor products. The company has nine locations in Florida, with three more planned.
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