Da können die TomTom-Benutzer nur hoffen, dass es ihnen nicht gleich geht wie den Blackberry-Süchtigen
Garmin claims Dutch rival TomTom is infringing GPS patents
OLATHE, Kan. - Garmin Ltd. has filed two lawsuits against European rival TomTom Inc., claiming the company is using Garmin-patented technology in its GPS devices.
In the suits, filed earlier this month in U.S. District Court in Madison, Wis., Olathe-based Garmin says TomTom has infringed on five Garmin U.S. patents protecting technology used in its Global Positioning System devices.
All the patents covered in the lawsuits are aimed at making GPS navigators easier to use. For example, one patent deals with technology that simplifies the maps showing a vehicle's location by eliminating streets the device determines aren't important to the driver's route.
"One of our hallmarks is ease of use," said Garmin spokesman Ted Gartner, adding that the company's long history in the GPS field means it has "amassed a significant stable of patents" in the consumer and aviation markets.
Officials for Amsterdam-based TomTom denied Garmin's allegations.
"TomTom Inc. rejects Garmin's claims and will vigorously defend itself," the company said in a written statement.
Garmin, which got its start selling aviation and marine devices and has since moved into automotive GPS, and automotive-focused TomTom have been fighting for market share in Europe. Last fall, TomTom began trying to gain inroads into the U.S. market with a series of television advertisements.
Market analysts have said the lawsuits could mean trouble for TomTom, forcing the company's marketing out of the United States if Garmin wins.
Garmin shares closed up 86 cents at $66.50 in trading Friday on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The stock has a 52-week range of $39.04 to $70.68.