OGIO’s Patented Woode Top
BLUFFDALE, Utah (March 3, 2008) – In its ongoing effort to protect valuable intellectual property, OGIO has filed papers with the State of Utah’s Federal District Court citing Callaway Golf Company for patent infringement. The papers were filed February 13, 2008.
OGIO, the golf bag manufacturer renowned for innovative design, currently holds more than a dozen individual patents for acclaimed bag components. One such design – the OGIO Woode organizing top – was such a high-demand feature when it was first introduced in 2002 that Callaway Golf Company requested the design on its OGIO-engineered bags. OGIO provided original equipment manufacturing services for Callaway from 2000 through 2005.
Despite the companies agreeing to part ways nearly three years ago, a patent-violating version of OGIO’s organizing top continues to appear on Callaway- designed golf bags including its 2008 golf bag collection.
"OGIO’s reputation hinges on our innovation; buyers and customers alike seek out and expect OGIO’s components to offer a technologically forward approach to solving problems," says the company’s vp operations, Gary Bowen. "As such, we will protect our intellectual property while alerting our retail partners to avoid selling any gear that infringes on our patents."
OGIO’s Woode Club Management System was issued patent number 6,877,604 B2 on April 12, 2005. The Woode organizing top consists of a stadium-style profile for wood containment, and egg- crate-inspired cradles for irons, to facilitate easy access and protect gear in transit. OGIO’s patented Putter Port – which elevates putters in plain sight amidst taller gear – is incorporated into the patented Woode top as well. .
The company took aim to protect this same patent in December 2005, with the issuance of multiple cease- and-desist orders warning retailers and manufacturers to discontinue the sale of bags incorporating OGIO’s Woode top technology.
For more information about OGIO and its innovative golf bag designs, visit www.ogio.com.
ABOUT OGIO
OGIO International, Inc. is an award-winning global leader in gear bag design, recognized for its athlete- inspired technology. The privately held Utah Company, founded in 1987, distributes products nationally and internationally under the OGIO brand name, and operates an original equipment manufacturer division to produce gear bags for other internationally known brands. In 2004, OGIO’s design team received the coveted Business Week IDEA Award for design excellence. The brand’s collection includes an extensive line of athlete-designed golf bags; back packs; snow, skate and surf packs; school packs; motocross bags; messenger bags; and other active gear. For more information, visit www.ogio.com.
Contact:
Kelly M. Mooney / This Just In (503.722.4080 or kelly@ogio.com), and Chad Robinson / OGIO (800.922.1944 x3231 or crobinson@ogio.com).
