Recently, SeaGuide has received information from customers that American Tackle Company has been representing to the industry that SeaGuide’s XBG infringes the American Tackle the AT design patent number D627032, claiming priority to an application filed on July 3, 2007. American Tackle also reportedly has threatened to sue customers who buy or use the SeaGuide XBG guides. SeaGuide feels compelled to correct the inaccuracies attributed to American Tackle and makes the following statement:

If the AT design patent covers the SeaGuide XBG guide, then the AT must be invalid. SeaGuide independently developed the XBG guide and received a patent for innovations associated with its design in 2005. The XBG guide has also been sold to companies in the US from its catalog since 2004. The AT design patent was not filed until three years later. Any of SeaGuide’s 2005 patent, catalog documents or US sales are sufficient to render the AT design patent invalid.

SeaGuide stands behind its customers and will defend against any challenge by American Tackle over its D627032. Customers should continue to feel confident in SeaGuide products and that SeaGuide will stand behind its customers.

The Weihai SeaGuide Company was founded in 1997. SeaGuide has been committed to the development and manufacturing of fishing rod components. SeaGuide has been growing by its abundant product category, premium quality and global customer base. As of 2015, SeaGuide has developed 128 new products, utilized 25 new technologies. And SeaGuide holds 29 patents including 24 design patents, 3 utility model patents and 2 national invention patents.

Rick Hall
Global Sales Manager
SeaGuide Corporation
406-750-2122
www.sea-guide.com

Hopefully rod builders will allow this to play out in the judicial system rather than piling on with comments that may or may not be based on all the facts.

Not the first time it's happened and not likely to be the last. Comments and opinions of custom rod builders are not likely to play any role in the outcome.

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So since you have put this out in a public forum, I am curious to know what SeaGuide's U.S. patent number is? You listed American Tackle's Patent # but not SeaGuide's.

What does it matter? The problem is these companies need to deal with their legal issues before sending ridiculous emails and throwing pat numbers around. Let us know the outcome and how that affects our businesses.