Cease and desist from Zoom Baits

[basskat]

Ever thought that Zoom might make the Bass Pro worms? Or Jackall the crosstail bait?

I doubt that Bass Pro has a worm factory.

Not sure about the bait industry but I work for Cooper Tire. Mickey Thompson, Dick Cepeck, Mastercraft, Sears and the list goes on and on are all Cooper made. Lots are made in the same mold, we just change the name plates.

[floridagrimp]

Southern Plastics in Eufala, Ala. makes most (if not all) of BP's domestically made plastics.

[Jason]

This will need to be researched, but the Mad Dad has a raised lip on the inside and outside of the claws of equal thickness. The Zoom patent claims a wedge shaped leg, similar to the rage patent, but not as thick. I would follow their request out of respect until this can be worked out. Hopefully this is just a misunderstanding and can be cleared up quickly.

Jason

[bribass]

What bait do they have that this is infringing? 

I dont see a bait that they carry that has that ridge..

[Jason]

Here is a link to the patent.

Patent US6237275 - Artificial bait structure - Google Patents
http://www.google.com/patents/US6237275?dq=zoom+bait+co.+patents&ei=CJfsUI2hF5Og0gGHhoGQDg

Here is a picture of both:



Mad Dad Claw Example



Their ridge runs the entire outside from tip to body.  The MD Craws runs from the inside of the appendage tip partially around the outside - not connecting to the body, and also has a ridge running on the inside, also not connecting to the body.  Like I said above, research needs to be done.  I don't see an infringement on their claim, and overall see a unique improvement by wrapping the tip to the inside and adding the additional inside ridge.

With all that said, error on the side of respect until this can be worked out.  I have always taken an approach of intellectual respect, protected or not.  Once something more is known I'm sure it will be posted here.

Jason

[Justin9j]

its the legs that is the problem.  correct??

[Jerry V]

its the legs that is the problem.  correct??

Not really the "legs" I suppose, but the "claws"...or to be more specific, the rib on the edges of the claws... (based only on what I've read here and only as I currently understand it).

How's this for a recipe:

Combine Jason with the Do-It Team and add a sprinkle of communication and research surrounding the issue... don't forget to stir... and I'm sure we will come to a perfectly simple resolution.  Though I suppose it will be a few days before we know  too much more. (and don't ask ME 'cause I know as much as the rest of Y'all right now).

Based on the pictures Jason posted... I don't see much reason for extensive concern... but I gotta be me.

We'll all find out,

Jerry

[matt]

hell that zoom thing doesn't even compeer to Jason's I wouldn't even buy that zoom bait

[Jerry V]

hell that zoom thing doesn't even compeer to Jason's I wouldn't even buy that zoom bait

LOL... you and me either. 

[basskat]

hell that zoom thing doesn't even compeer to Jason's I wouldn't even buy that zoom bait

That's the reason Zoom has their panties in a wad, no one wants their bait.

[floridagrimp]

Matt, not sure Zoom needs you (or any of us) to buy their baits..they sell more plastics than anyone in the world....just sayin', they have insane sales in the South, Mid Atlantic regions. 

[floridagrimp]

Jerry, Zoom has (allegedly) sent a cease and desist order to one of your customers. Isn't it a bit surprising they haven't sent anything to you guys?  Looks like they would go after the root instead of the appendages if they were concerned about theft of their patented properties/products.  Maybe this is different in the fact that usually they go after companies that are in mass production vs. people that have bought smaller molds, shooting much smaller quantities.

I do know several people that have dealt with Zoom in similar issues...and found out Zoom is very aggressive

[Jerry V]

floridagriimp,

If you think that letter would wind up on my desk, you are dreaming...  I wouldn't see that kind of mail in our house unless I were the only one there on account of the apocalypse or something... We may or may not have a letter, I do not know.  The fact is, we're gonna be looking into it regardless.

Jerry

[floridagrimp]

No, not dreaming...maybe your desk isn't where I thought. I don't use those particular baits, though they look like some excellent baits indeed, just can't sell them to redfish, trout, snook fishermen. I'm sure those fish would tear 'em up though.

I know of one "judgement" that ended in a kangaroo court in Georgia where a local judge made a good ole boy "decision" for a friend of the community...a decent man got a mold and a patent stolen.

I hope, no, I pray it ends with a righteous judement...an ending that's right in God's eyes.

[Jerry V]

We (you and I) will find out in due time I'm sure.

Jerry