DCT

2:24-cv-02076

Wisconsin Archery Products LLC v. Garmin Intl Inc

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I. Executive Summary and Procedural Information

  • Parties & Counsel:
  • Case Identification: 2:24-cv-02076, D. Kan., 03/05/2024
  • Venue Allegations: Venue is alleged to be proper in the District of Kansas as Defendant's principal place of business is in Olathe, Kansas.
  • Core Dispute: Plaintiff alleges that Defendant’s Xero series of digital bow sights and crossbow scopes infringes a patent related to an auto-correcting bow sight.
  • Technical Context: The technology involves digital archery sights that use sensors to measure range and angle, automatically calculate the correct aiming point for an arrow, and display it to the user.
  • Key Procedural History: The asserted patent has a complex history. A prior lawsuit on the patent, brought by a licensee against the same defendant, was dismissed with prejudice. Concurrently, Defendant successfully challenged many of the patent's original claims in an inter partes review (IPR), leading to a finding of unpatentability. Plaintiff subsequently initiated an ex parte reexamination, which resulted in the issuance of new, amended claims, one of which is now being asserted in this case.

Case Timeline

Date Event
2008-11-10 '551 Patent Priority Date
2012-11-27 '551 Patent Original Issue Date
2015-03-11 License Agreement executed with Burris Company, Inc.
2018-04-20 Burris Company files lawsuit against Garmin in D. Oregon
2018-05-29 Garmin files IPR petition against the '551 Patent
2018-12-11 USPTO institutes IPR proceeding
2020-02-11 Wisconsin Archery initiates ex parte reexamination of '551 Patent
2020-04-02 Burris lawsuit against Garmin is dismissed with prejudice
2020-11-03 '551 Patent Reexamination Certificate issued
c. 2020-11 Garmin releases the Xero X1i crossbow scope
2024-03-05 Complaint Filing Date

II. Technology and Patent(s)-in-Suit Analysis

U.S. Patent No. 8,316,551 - "Auto-Correcting Bow Sight"

  • Patent Identification: U.S. Patent No. 8,316,551, "Auto-Correcting Bow Sight," issued November 27, 2012. The complaint asserts claims from the Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate (US 8316551 C1) issued on November 3, 2020.

The Invention Explained

  • Problem Addressed: The patent addresses the difficulty archers face in accurately estimating target range and compensating for factors that affect an arrow's flight, such as the vertical shooting angle ('551 Patent, col. 2:12-22). Conventional multi-pin sights can be confusing, and separate, handheld rangefinders are slow to use and prevent an archer from drawing the bow simultaneously ('551 Patent, col. 2:1-11).
  • The Patented Solution: The invention is an integrated bow sight that contains a sensor system (e.g., a rangefinder and an inclinometer) to automatically measure distance and angle to a target. A processor uses this data to calculate the required aiming correction and illuminates a single "aim indicator" on a display, allowing the archer to use a "dead aim" on the target ('551 Patent, col. 5:50-62). A key feature is the ability for an archer to initiate this evaluation process via an input device while the bow is already at the fully drawn position ('551 Patent, col. 15:8-12).
  • Technical Importance: This technology automates the complex ballistic calculations previously performed mentally by an archer, seeking to improve shot accuracy and speed, particularly in dynamic hunting situations ('551 Patent, col. 2:46-49).

Key Claims at a Glance

  • The complaint’s exemplary infringement analysis focuses on independent Claim 64, which was added during reexamination.
  • The essential elements of Claim 64 are:
    • A "base" supported on a bow.
    • A "sensor system" on the base to determine "range to a target" and "angle of inclination of the bow".
    • A "display" on the base that includes a "targeting sight" at a "default sighted-in position".
    • "Multiple aim indicators" on the display, one of which can be selectively displayed based on the sensor system’s range and angle data.
    • A "manually actuated input device" that initiates an evaluation to select an aim indicator, where the device is arranged on the bow to allow actuation by an archer "when the bow is in a fully drawn position".

III. The Accused Instrumentality

Product Identification

  • The Garmin Xero A1, Xero A1i, and Xero A1 Pro bow sights, and the Xero X1i crossbow scope (collectively, the "Accused Products") (Compl. ¶26).

Functionality and Market Context

  • The complaint alleges the Accused Products are auto-correcting sights that feature a built-in digital laser rangefinder and provide "angle-compensated distance" (Compl. ¶33). They include a display that projects bright LED pins as aim indicators (Compl. ¶37). The complaint alleges that the user actuates a trigger button to initiate the ranging and aim point calculation (Compl. ¶39). An image from the Xero A1 Owner's Manual is provided, which shows a detached button component designed to be mounted separately on the bow. (Compl. p. 9). The manual is quoted as stating, "Position the ranging trigger on the grip of your bow where you can comfortably activate it at full draw" (Compl. ¶40).

IV. Analysis of Infringement Allegations

'551 Patent Infringement Allegations

| Claim Element (from Independent Claim 64) | Alleged Infringing Functionality | Complaint Citation | Patent Citation |
|:------------------------------------------------|:------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | a base that is supported on a bow incorporating the auto-correcting bow sight | The accused Xero A1 bow sight includes a base that incorporates the auto-correcting bow sight. An image provided in the complaint identifies the mounting structure of the accused product as the "base." (Compl. p. 7). | ¶31 | col. 6:30-31 |
| a sensor system that is supportable on the base and that is configured to determine both of a range to target and an angle of inclination of the bow | The accused sights have a sensor system, including a "mounted digital laser range finder" and providing "precise angle-compensated distance." | ¶33 | col. 9:1-4 |
| a display that is supported on the base and that includes a targeting sight located on the display at a position defining a default sighted-in position of the bow sight | The accused sights include a display with a targeting sight defining a default position. The complaint alleges the Owner's Manual instructs users to "Align the primary pin with the ranging reticle, and aim at the target." An image of the accused product's display is provided. (Compl. p. 8). | ¶35 | col. 7:9-11 |
| multiple aim indicators that are located on the display and that are operably connected to the sensor system so that one of the multiple aim indicators can be selectively displayed... | The accused display includes multiple LED pins, and the Owner's Manual allegedly states that after ranging, the bow sight "projects a new pin" based on the measured range and angle. A video screenshot shows multiple such indicators. (Compl. p. 13). | ¶¶ 37, 51 | col. 8:26-34 |
| a manually actuated input device that is operably connected to the sensor system... and is configured to allow actuation... when the bow is in a fully drawn position | The accused sights have a manually actuated input device (a button/trigger) that initiates the evaluation. The complaint alleges the Owner's Manual instructs users on how to position the trigger for activation "at full draw." An image shows the trigger device. (Compl. p. 9). | ¶¶ 39, 40 | col. 15:8-12 |

Identified Points of Contention

  • Scope Questions: A question may arise as to whether the term "bow sight," which the patent primarily describes in the context of a compound bow, can be construed to read on a "crossbow scope" as alleged for the Xero X1i product (Compl. ¶43).
  • Technical Questions: The complaint alleges the Xero's "primary pin with the ranging reticle" constitutes the claimed "targeting sight at a position defining a default sighted-in position" (Compl. ¶35). The defense may argue that the accused product's digital display architecture does not contain a distinct component corresponding to this claimed element.

V. Key Claim Terms for Construction

  • The Term: "targeting sight ... defining a default sighted-in position"
  • Context and Importance: This term is a specific structural element of the claimed display. The infringement analysis hinges on whether the accused products' display architecture, which the complaint alleges uses a "primary pin with the ranging reticle" (Compl. ¶35), satisfies this limitation. Practitioners may focus on this term because its construction will determine if a general-purpose digital reticle can meet the requirements of a specific, potentially physically-aligned, "targeting sight."
  • Intrinsic Evidence for Interpretation:
    • Evidence for a Broader Interpretation: The term itself is not explicitly defined, which could support an interpretation where any initial aiming reference on the display, before correction, qualifies as the "targeting sight."
    • Evidence for a Narrower Interpretation: The specification describes a process of establishing a default position by physically aligning the targeting sight with a peep sight on the bowstring ('551 Patent, col. 11:4-14). Additionally, dependent claim 42 of the reexamined patent (not asserted here) explicitly recites this alignment process, suggesting the patentee viewed this as a distinct configuration. Parties may dispute whether the "default sighted-in position" in claim 64 implicitly requires this specific physical alignment context.

VI. Other Allegations

Indirect Infringement

  • The complaint alleges inducement and contributory infringement, citing Defendant's instructions and encouragement to customers through materials like Owner's Manuals (Compl. ¶56). Specific instructions on how to use the trigger at full draw are provided as evidence (Compl. ¶40).

Willful Infringement

  • Willfulness is alleged based on Defendant's pre-suit knowledge of the '551 patent, which the complaint supports by referencing the prior lawsuit and IPR proceeding initiated by Garmin itself (Compl. ¶¶ 13-14, 57-58, 60). The allegations cover both pre- and post-suit conduct.

VII. Analyst’s Conclusion: Key Questions for the Case

  • A threshold issue will be one of preclusion: what is the legal effect of the prior lawsuit's dismissal with prejudice and the IPR's invalidation of the patent's original claims? The court will have to determine if claim preclusion, issue preclusion, or prosecution history estoppel bars or limits this new suit, which is based on amended claims that issued from a subsequent reexamination. Plaintiff's argument that the prior judgment is void will be a central part of this dispute.
  • A core issue will be one of definitional scope: can the term "bow sight," rooted in the patent’s description of traditional compound bows, be construed to cover the "crossbow scope" of the accused Xero X1i product? The interpretation of this term could significantly impact the scope of potential infringement.
  • A key evidentiary question will be one of structural correspondence: does the accused products' digital display, which presents a "primary pin with the ranging reticle," contain the specific structure of a "targeting sight" at a "default sighted-in position" as required by Claim 64, or is there a fundamental mismatch in the claimed and accused architectures?