Is the ProV1 is "illegal"

[swingstar1]

Just read a post of GolfWRX (US mega gear geeks site) about the Prov1 being in infringement of some Callaway ball patents therefore could not be on sale from Jan 1 next year

Sounds a bit drastic

link to post

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t129748.html

 

[TonyN]

If this is true, why can't callaway get there patent's to perform aswell as Titleists?

Am sure this will be sorted some how and I very much Titleist will be taking prov1's off the shelf anytime soon.

 

[Atticus_Finch]

I remember discussing this when this news first broke.
Here's a more up to date link....
http://golf.about.com/b/2008/11/11/callaway-wins-injunction-against-titleist-over-pro-v1-balls.htm

 

[USER1999]

As far as I am aware, this is pretty much true, and there will have to be a new ball coming out in 2009. I bet it is at least as good, if not better than their current ball.

Other ball manufacturers are also in dispute. In any market, where the differences are so tight, there are always infringements. Others are taking Cally to court as we speak.

I thought Titleist were unlucky to lose their case.

It won't keep me awake tonight tho'.

 

[SammmeBee]

Not illegal just can't sell them - there is a differnce.....

 

[medwayjon]

This is spot-on truth.

Sammmebee is on the money here, the ball will not be illegal to play with whatsoever, simply illegal to manufacture and retail.

Stock up now boys!!!

(I have 6 dozen stashed!)

 

[MVP]

ive heard this last year but it was callaway copying titleist

 

[swingstar1]

sorry but the wrong link in from WRX the first time
http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=203577
seems from the responses it's about the last version of the Prov1

 

[OldWindy]

Titleist are currently manufacturing ProV1 with their own patents - seriously doubt if this ball will be any worse than the current version.

 

[USER1999]

Seeing as design/engineering is my job, my guess is that the current proV is probably about 2 years out of date anyway. Stand by for a new one any time soon, that doesn't infringe any current patents, but no doubt all will be back in a court near you soon.

 

[viscount17]

this one has been going on for some time. pretty convoluted if I remember correctly with the major players buying up smaller outfits solely for the patents.

 

[MikeH]

hi all
we have had a Titleist response press release sent out on the news this evening....

ACUSHNET COMPANY RESPONDS TO PRO V1 COURT RULING


Fairhaven, MA (November 10, 2008) -- Acushnet Company, the golf business of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), announced that it will file an appeal of today’s ruling in a U.S. District Court in Delaware granting Callaway Golf’s request for an injunction in the long-running dispute with respect to four Callaway patents and Acushnet’s Titleist Pro V1 golf balls. The company also announced that it does not expect the ruling to have a material adverse impact on its results.

“We strongly disagree with the judge’s ruling and will file an appeal and seek relief from the injunction,” said Joe Nauman, executive vice president, corporate and legal of Acushnet. “However, it’s important to recognize that this ruling will not have any impact on our ability to supply our customers with Pro V1 golf balls because of the following actions which we have undertaken. In September 2008, we converted production of the existing Pro V1 models so that they are outside of the patents in question; and we have also developed and will be introducing new and improved Titleist Pro V1 products in the first quarter of 2009 that are also outside the scope of the patents in question.

“Our Pro V1 golf balls are the product of technology developed and accumulated by the Acushnet Company over the past 20 years,” Nauman continued. “Acushnet is the industry leader in developing golf ball technology and has over 650 active golf ball patents – more than any other manufacturer. Over 65 of these patents are related to the Pro V1 family.

“We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously and we fully expect to prevail in having all claims of all four patents at issue determined to be invalid in the appeal process,” Nauman added. “Our confidence is underpinned by the fact that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued final office actions which have determined these patents to be invalid.”

 

[viscount17]

now you know why they cost so much

 

[bernix]

Maybe I'm alone on this (although you may ask Phil Mickelson) but I prefer the HX Tour over the Pro V1

 

[TonyN]

You are not alone! If I had to pick, I would pick the tour 56 over the proV1.

 

[USER1999]

Not me. ProV1 is the best ball in golf. Only hope the new one is as good (when it comes out).

I have more than a years supply of the current one anyway.

 

[Parmo]

No point in me playing a 3 piece ball on 15hcp, they are great around the greens but drop out of the sky with drivers, so would be a waste of cash. NXT Tour or AD333 for me, though I do practice with some Pro V1s and the stopping power is great compared to the rest on the short game.

I have more than a years supply of the current one anyway

How many dozen, or don't you loose many?

 

[USER1999]

I don't lose many. For example, I played 13 holes on Friday, 18 on Saturday and 18 on Sunday, all with the same ball (it is a bit tired though). I guess I just don't hit it far enough to lose it. Either that or I am very good at finding it.

 

[CarpeDiem]

Murphthemog where did you get your years supply?

 

[TonyN]

I tend not to loose balls that much these days.

Chubb, I dont think Handicap has much to do with a ball falling out of the sky, I play off 18 and I can play 3 piece balls. I just choose not too. Prov1's Fly well off my driver!