Garmin is a Kansas-based company which sells GPS-based equipment, but they manufacture their equipment in Taiwan. In 2015, the International Trade Commission (ITC) found that Garmin infringed two of competitor Navico's patents related to fish-scanning sonar technology, and issued exclusion and cease-and-desist orders against Garmin's imports.
In September 2016, Navico initiated an enforcement action, claiming Garmin was continuing to import and sell the infringing products in violation of the Commission’s orders. Administrative Law Judge David P. Shaw held a bench trial, and on May 25th issued his order recommending the $37 million fine. In determining the amount of the fine, Judge Shaw noted that he found bad faith in Garmin’s continued infringement and importation. Garmin has now filed a petition seeking Commission review of Judge Shaw’s recommended fine, and the Commission is expected to make its final determination in August.
More information on this case can be found at Kilpatrick Townsend:
U.S. International Trade Commission Considers $37M Fine for Continued Patent-Infringing Imports
In September 2016, Navico initiated an enforcement action, claiming Garmin was continuing to import and sell the infringing products in violation of the Commission’s orders. Administrative Law Judge David P. Shaw held a bench trial, and on May 25th issued his order recommending the $37 million fine. In determining the amount of the fine, Judge Shaw noted that he found bad faith in Garmin’s continued infringement and importation. Garmin has now filed a petition seeking Commission review of Judge Shaw’s recommended fine, and the Commission is expected to make its final determination in August.
More information on this case can be found at Kilpatrick Townsend:
U.S. International Trade Commission Considers $37M Fine for Continued Patent-Infringing Imports