Becoming a golf superstar comes with its fair share of responsibilities, including building and protecting your personal brand. The most financially successful golf celebrities know how to capitalize on their brands via trademark protection and licensing, and there is no doubt that Greg Norman is one of the best at it. A simple search of the US Trademark Office’s records reveals that Greg Norman’s Great White Shark Enterprises has 41 records with the Office, 23 of which are LIVE records. The LIVE records list includes..... So, don’t feel too bad for Greg in light of his performance on Sunday at The British Open, he is obviously a very smart and successful businessman. Just think of the advertising value that his brands received this weekend, not to mention all the exposure for MacGregor! Interestingly, Greg has his hands in everything from sunglasses and meat to grass and restaurants! Perhaps tennis equipment is next.....<< MORE >>

About one year ago I reported that GPS Industries and Optimal IP Holdings filed a patent infringement lawsuit against 10 defendants ..... Then, back in May I reported (see post here) that many of the defendants from the initial lawsuit also found themselves listed as defendants in another GPS patent infringement lawsuit; this time filed by Roblor Marketing Group..... Now, this week (July 16th) yet another GPS patent infringement lawsuit was filed adding two new patents to the golf GPS patent minefield; namely, USPN 5685786 titled “Passive Golf Information System and Method” and USPN 5438518 titled “Player Positioning and Distance Finding System.” This most recent lawsuit finds GPS Industries Inc. and GPS IT LLC accusing ProLink Solutions LLC, ProLink Holdings Corp., LinksCorp Inc., and ABC National Television Sales, Inc. of patent infringement. Click HERE to read the actual Complaint. Suing ABC for patent infringement! Interesting strategy. The Complaint includes the following allegations with respect to ABC..... Fascinating litigation strategy. I wonder if ABC will put any pressure on the ProLink Defendants to make this lawsuit go away..... << MORE >>

Remember the Strike N Swipe reusable impact tape from The Golf Channel’s “Fore Inventors Only” show? If not, check out the impressive Strike N Swipe website, complete with David Leadbetter endorsement. In my prior posts (here, and here) I affectionately referred to the product as the million dollar reusable impact tape because on the show the inventor explained that he had almost one million dollars invested in the product (which blew me away). The following was my review of the Strike N Swipe from the very first episode..... Then, the Big Break Contestants provided their thoughts on the product during the 4th episode..... So, why the walk down memory lane? A few weeks ago the Strike N Swipe patent application published as US Pub. No. 20080153617 titled “Sports Impact Point Indicator.” The application describes the invention as..... Boy, a few of those extreme heel impacts look like they were taken right from my clubs!..... << MORE >>

Have you ever thought to yourself….. my “hosel does not have any gorgeousness or sumptuousness?” Gorgeousness.…. Sumptuousness….. What! (apparently some words don’t translate well, who knew) A few weeks ago a Bridgestone patent application published as US Pub. No. 20080153622 titled “Golf Club Head Having Decorated Hosel and Golf Club Using Same” and it left me thinking to myself…. “this is so bizarre that I must not be smart enough to appreciate the genius of it!” The application explains..... I would love to see Freddie Couples show up at a Major with his clubs sporting this hosel bling! << MORE >>

Yet another interesting golf training device patent application. Boy, they are a dime a dozen; and I, like most golfers, would try almost anything to improve my game. The invention disclosed in the application that published as US Pub. No. 20080146364 titled “Device for Correcting Golf Swing Posture” is unlike most training aids in that it is directed to the lower body. The application describes the invention as.... I am not totally convinced that this invention would help my game, but I would give it a try. << MORE >>

Ever heard of EZ Line Putters? Me neither, although I have to admit…. they look pretty nice. Plus, EZ Line Putter owns USPN 4962927 titled “Putter Head.” So, which Odyssey putters have come under fire? Well, the Odyssey White Hot XG #7 putter, the Odyssey White Hot XG #7 Long putter, the Odyssey Black Series I #7 putter, and the Odyssey White Hot Sabertooth putter have been accused of infringing the ‘927 patent. Plus, the White Hot XG Marxman Blade putter is the subject of trade dress infringement and unfair competition claims. The ‘927 patent describes the putter as.... << MORE >>

As I have mentioned in the past, design patents directed to golf balls are not very common, and design patents directed to a particular dimple design are even more rare. Well, last week Mizuno had an interesting golf ball design patent issue; namely USPN D572322 titled “Golf Ball.” Check out these figures from the patent........ Frankly, I did not even know that Mizuno was in the golf ball business, and you would never know it from the Mizuno Golf website. Interestingly, Mizuno has received at least 10 US patents directed to golf ball patents in the past 3 years. Additionally, Mizuno does have over 20 golf balls listed in the USGA records of conforming golf balls. Interesting! Is this a sign of things to come? If so, hopefully it will bring down the price of golf balls.<< MORE >>

I bet that at least 77% of golfers will not recognize the following iron. Heck, I will even tell you that it is a Callaway club. Do you recognize the product line?.....<< MORE >>

Almost a year ago I published a post on what may be the next step in club head adjustability; namely, coefficient of restitution (COR) adjustability, or the ability to adjust the stiffness of club’s face. Interested? The prior post posed the following hypothetical: Perhaps you really loosen up the face during your practice rounds to gain a few extra yards and carry those fairway bunkers, then turn around the next day and bring it back into USGA conformance for the club championship. It doesn’t sound too realistic, but then again… ten years ago a square driver might not have seemed very realistic. The same could be said for 460 cc club heads and titanium faced irons..... The latest patent describes the invention as ..... Obviously Acushnet feels there might be something to this technology. I can’t wait to see when, or if, it makes it to market! << MORE >>

How many possible uses for a “portable golf caddy” can you think of? Perhaps two or three? Well, a recently published patent application discloses a “portable golf caddy” invention that has at least 10 different uses. While I can’t imagine ever purchasing the device, it is the type of gift that you may receive from the non-golfer in your life (so there may be a market for it). The patent application published as US Pub. No. 20080146367 titled “Portable Golf Caddy” and describes the invention as.... Check out these drawings!.....<< MORE >>

How good are you at identifying a particular brand of putter when all the logos and trademarks are stripped off the club head? I was starting to think that I was pretty good at it until coming across USPN D571878 titled “Golf Putter Head.” The figures below come from the ‘878 patent that issued recently to a major producer of clubs. Can you identify the brand of putter?<< MORE >>

As I reported earlier this week (read post HERE), a recent letter from Acushnet’s attorney to the Court provided a nice status report regarding the reexamination progress. Well, Callaway did not let any grass grow under their feet before filing their own letter to the Court providing a different view of the situation. Enjoy..... Oh, if we only knew how much money has been spent on this lawsuit!<< MORE >>

An interesting golf trademark infringement lawsuit was filed this week. The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (The PGA of America) sued Scottish Golf Holidays for the unauthorized use of the RYDER CUP registered trademark. In fact, this is the second time The PGA of America has sued Scottish Golf Holidays in one year! Click HERE to review the actual Complaint. I have reproduced majority of the sections below..... Wow, is that a Complaint or what! So, did you have any idea that The PGA of America has over 28,000 golf professionals? I would never have guessed that high! PS - Because the PGA did not use one particular Ohio IP attorney (known to love golf) as local counsel to file this Complaint right in his back yard.... I vow that once my game finally comes around, I will not join The PGA of America! Since I have been waiting 25 years for my game to come around, perhaps they should not be too concerned about the risk of losing this unlikely member!<< MORE >>

The Callaway v. Titleist (Acushnet) golf ball battle has been pending for a couple of years now, so a quick refresher is in order..... You may recall that all four of the patents-in-suit are currently being re-examined by the USPTO, and things were not going well for the validity of the patents before the USPTO (recall, the jury already found majority of the claims valid). Now, for the update...... A recent letter from Acushnet’s attorney to the Court provides a nice status report regarding the reexamination progress..... Click HERE to read the actual letter. I predict that I will be reporting on this case for at least 2 more years! Hard to believe? << MORE >>

Ahh, the good old days.... Remember that crazy golf ball gun from the “Fore Inventors Only” show that looked as if Stina broke her hand when she fired it? Here is my review from my prior post..... Frankly, I recall being surprised that he had a patent application filed on the launcher. So, imagine how surprised I was to see another patent application recently publish on the invention. The most recent application published as US Pub. No. 20080099004 titled “Pressurized Air Shooting Device” and describes the invention as..... So, do you think this inventor will ever recoup his investment in two patent applications? I have to admit that it would be kind of fun to take one of these out on the course; that is until the Ranger noticed and banned me from the course for life. << MORE >>

An interesting golf grip patent application recently published as US Pub. No. 20080127459 titled “Apparatus For Gripping An Instrument Having An Elongate Handle.” I wonder what the USGA would have to say about this grip. The application describes the invention as.... Check out these drawings! I can see its applicability to hammers much more than golf clubs. << MORE >>

As you know, Golf-Patents.com has repeatedly used putter design patents to test your knowledge of putters (click here to satisfy your hunger for putter patent posts). The figure below come from a US putter design patent that issued recently to a major producer of clubs. Can you identify the brand of putter? << MORE >>

Hybrids, iron-woods, rescue clubs, utility clubs, ..... whatever you call them, it seems as though their popularity is growing every year. The following figures come from a design patent directed to a hybrid. Can you identify the manufacturer?<< MORE >>

I recently saw a post on a golf blog about the UROClub and chuckled (sorry, can’t recall which blog it was). Then almost fell out of my chair when a few weeks later I came across a published patent application on the device. The patent application published as US Pub. No. 20080127402 titled “Urinal Apparatus Including a Simulated Golf Club” and describes the invention as..... Check out these drawings..... I know that it is probably 100 percent spill-proof, but I am not comfortable risking any spillage on my grips or bag. (Perhaps when I am older) Although, the fact that it was invented by a urologist does give the product an extra level of credibility, but $50! It would make a good gag gift for the senior golfer in your life.<< MORE >>

I often wonder, “is there money to be made in golf training products?” There must be because the number of golf training aid patent applications is through the roof! A recent training aid patent application published as US Pub. No. 20080139332 titled “Golf Training Aid,” and describes the invention as.... The following drawings do a better job of explaining the invention..... I would try it, but wouldn’t buy it.<< MORE >>

That is just what I said when I came across one rather unique golf club disclosed in recently published patent application US Pub. No. 20080132349 titled “Golf Club Head having Concavely Curved Face.” Check out these drawings!..... The application describes the invention as..... Do you think this club would help your game?<< MORE >>

Check out this putter that was granted a utility patent this week..... I bet you didn’t think that was the side of the putter designed to strike the ball! The patent is USPN 7387576 titled “Golf Club,” and describes the invention as.... Would this putter ever find a place in your bag? << MORE >>

If you strip all the logos off a golf club head, the typical avid golfer can usually identify the manufacturer of the popular drivers… often the popular irons… and sometimes the popular putters… but I bet that most readers cannot identify this set of irons. These drawings come from a design patent issued to one of the popular club makers. Can you identify the brand?<< MORE >>

Most non-lawyers are blown away by the costs of patent litigation. Ever wonder why litigation is so expensive? Aside from the filing of motion, after motion, after motion..... the real costs of patent litigation are associated with the “discovery” efforts of the parties...... (background on what "discovery" is)..... So now with the understanding that the case is deep in the discovery period, check out this list of information that Acushnet wants to learn from Callaway (and think about the costs associated with gathering and digesting all this information)..... I love #38! I am sure Callaway is just going to cough-up the "market factors" that drive the sales of their products..... << MORE >>

An interesting golf cart patent issued today combining two loves of many people. Golf and cigars! The patent is USPN 7387127 titled “Cigar Holder for Golf Cart” and describes the invention as....<< MORE >>

A few weeks ago a Callaway design patent issued that made me scratch my head and say “what club is that…. I don’t immediately recognize it so it must be one for the ladies or the juniors.” Well, I still don’t know, but it definitely has a sole configuration unlike any clubs they currently have in the US market. It may the design of new product offering. The patent is USPN D569941 titled “Golf Club Sole.” Check out this sole design.....<< MORE >>

How do you know if your expensive golf balls are authentic? Well, aside from any questionable blemishes in the cover, you probably don’t. Apparently Acushnet’s engineers and scientists have been working on developing a solution to this problem. This week an Acushnet patent application published as US Pub. No. 20080139342 titled “Anti-Counterfeiting System Using Compound Additives.” The application describes the invention as..... If you are a fan of golf technology, then you will enjoy reading this patent application. Fascinating stuff! Hopefully this won’t increase the price of golf balls; but I wouldn’t bet on it.<< MORE >>

Earlier this week I posted about a Taylor Made patent application disclosing a pretty radical driver with fins. Well, Callaway has stepped up to the plate this week with a patent application disclosing a driver that is even more radical! Check out this Callaway driver design!..... The published patent application that may be giving us a sneak peak at future Callaway drivers published yesterday as US Pub. No. 20080139336 titled “C-Shaped Golf Club Head.” So, will the finned Taylor Made driver or the C-shaped Callaway driver make it to market first?<< MORE >>

Would you ever expect to see the term “drag chute” used in a golf training aid patent? Well, check out the description and drawings of the invention found in USPN 7384344 titled “Physical Conditioning Aid for Golfers"..... << MORE >>

Check out this putter that was granted a utility patent yesterday.... (figures).... The patent is USPN 7384345 titled “Golf Putter with Rotary Disc Alignment Aid,” and describes the invention as.... I would be willing to give this putter a try. << MORE >>

I never thought I would live to see the day that a Taylor Made driver had fins! OK, I haven’t actually seen fins on a Taylor Made driver; just drawings of a finned driver from a Taylor Made patent application. If a finned Taylor Made driver does make it to market I am sure they will make it look cool and will overwhelm golfers with enough marketing hype that we all end up believing that we can’t live without it. The published patent application, that may be giving us a sneak peak at future Taylor Made drivers, published last week as US Pub. No. 20080132355 titled “Golf Club Head Having Ribs.” Check out these drawings....... Can you believe it? << MORE >>

The figures below come from a driver design patent that recently issued to Karsten. I bet you can't identify this PING driver!.... (figures) ..... You can click here for the answer, and click here to check out USPN D569937 titled “Golf Driver Head.”<< MORE >>

Last week an interesting training golf grip was granted a design patent, namely USPN D569939 titled “Golf Grip.” Check out these figures..... Frankly, I think I would be too worried about breaking a wrist or finger to concentrate on the correct hand position. << MORE >>

Check out the golf glove contained in USPN D570056 titled “Golf Glove.”...... Interesting glove, but I am not sure what aspects are ornamental versus functional (a key aspect of design patents versus utility patents). ...... << MORE >>

Few golfers ever consider the time and effort that has gone into the design of the golf glove they use and abuse until it is so worn, tattered, and sweat stained that it is callously discarded in the nearest trash can. Perhaps this post will help you “appreciate” your golf glove as a unique piece of golf technology designed to improve your game, rather than simply that crumbled up crusty piece of leather and Velcro that is stuffed into your golf bag after the round. Acushnet recently had an interesting golf glove patent application publish as US Pub. No. 20080109934 titled “Vibration Reducing Golf Glove.” The title sounds pretty good, right? The application describes the invention as..... Now, next time you put on your trusty golf glove, look at it affectionately as a piece of technology engineered to improve your game, not just a blister preventer! << MORE >>

This week a fascinating golf shaft design patent issued. The patent is USPN D569940 titled “Golf Shaft.” Check out this drawing..... Interestingly, the design patent also covers a flag pin...... So, would you be willing to try this shaft?<< MORE >>

Last week Dynamic Brands, LLC (doing business as The Bag Boy Company) brought a declaratory judgment action against Sun Mountain Sports regarding Sun Mountain’s patent USPN 7131534 titled “Golf Bag and Strap System.” Click HERE to check out the patent, and click HERE to read the Complaint. It appears the dispute began when Sun Mountain’s counsel sent a letter (click HERE to read) to Bag Boy alleging infringement of the ‘534 patent. Bag Boy then responded with a polite email to Sun Mountain (click HERE to read) inquiring if Sun Mountain would license the patent if indeed Bag Boy was stepping on the patent. In response, Sun Mountain had their attorneys make it clear that licensing the patent is not an option, Sun Mountain wants Bag Boy's sales of these particular straps to cease immediately and any inventory must be destroyed (click HERE to read). Not surprisingly, Bag Boy then filed a Declaratory Judgment action seeking a declaratory judgment that Bag Boy does not infringe the patent and that the patent is invalid (click HERE to read the Complaint), and Bag Boy sent Sun Mountain a nice letter explaining Bag Boy’s position and letting them know that they have been sued (click HERE to read). Gone are the days of the cease and desist letter; yet some people refuse to accept it, or don’t care about controlling the location of litigation. The patent describes the invention as.....<< MORE >>

This week a wedge design patent issued on a wedge that is more identifiable than a classic Cleveland or Vokey wedge. You should recognize the wedge found in USPN D569932 (titled “Golf Club Head”) from the ton of advertisements in golf magazines......<< MORE >>

Can you guess which young golf pro has filed for trademark protection of his name associated with the following products?..... Golf clubs, golf bags, golf bag covers, golf club head covers, golf bag tags, golf balls, golf ball markers, golf gloves, golf tees, divot repair tools, golf club grips, golf practice mats, golf towels, golf practice nets, golf practice putting cups; toys and dolls, namely, figurines depicting sports celebrity...... Click here for the answer. Looks like he has a good team looking out for his long term financial success. Congratulations!<< MORE >>

OK, the title is somewhat misleading..... The following lists of the “best” and “worst” US golf club trademarks are really just MY favorite, and least favorite, names for golf clubs. There is nothing “legal” about it. My favorites are....... My least favorite are...... Those are some interesting names!<< MORE >>

A trademark application filed in March is likely to get some attention from Karsten Manufacturing (makers PING brand golf clubs). The application is for the mark _____ _____. The application describes the goods associated with the mark as...... So, does this application pass the common sense test? Do you think the Applicant just might end up facing a lawsuit if they offer these goods under the ____ ____ mark? << MORE >>

About one year ago I reported that GPS Industries and Optimal IP Holdings filed a patent infringement lawsuit against 10 defendants that I characterized as reading like a Who’s Who of the golfing GPS world....... Now it is a year later and many of the defendants find themselves listed as defendants in another GPS patent infringement lawsuit; this time filed by Roblor Marketing Group. The defendants listed in this latest lawsuit filed on May 23rd include GPS Industries (the plaintiff in the prior lawsuit), ProShot Investors, ProLink Holdings, ProLink Solutions, IntelliGolf, Karrier Communications, L1 Technologies, Links Point, SkyHawke Technologies, Goodwin Golf Group, and Polaris Golf Systems. You have to wonder how many of the defendants can absorb the financial burden of defending themselves in two patent infringement actions......<< MORE >>

Everyone has heard the marketing hype regarding dual durometer golf grips, but what about putter face inserts? This week PING (actually Karsten) was granted a patent for just that. The patent is USPN 7374499 titled “Golf Club Head with Dual Durometer Face Insert” and describes the invention as.....<< MORE >>

Ahh, more golf industry patent infringement litigation; the stuff that makes attorneys smile. The PING Rapture is the latest target of patent infringement allegations. Yesterday VyaTek Sports, Inc. sued Ping, Inc. and Karsten Manufacturing Corporations for allegedly infringing two of VyaTek’s patents. Click HERE to read the actual Complaint. The patents-in-suit are USPNs 7207354 and 7314067, both titled “Design and Manufacturing Method for Multi-Material Tube Structures.” The patents describe the invention as.....<< MORE >>

On Tuesday an interesting utility patent issued on a pretty popular putter design. OK, “pretty popular” may be a stretch, but it is a pretty "unique", or distinctive, putter that true putter aficionados will likely recognize. The patent is USPN 7374497 titled “Golf Putter Head With Visual Alignment System.” Do you recognize the putter brand?..... (figures) ...... Click here for what is probably the answer. I say “probably” because the patent is assigned to Sienna Sport Limited of Northern Ireland, not the company that owns the linked website. At first blush the product and the patent seem so similar that I suspect there is a licensing or distribution agreement between the two companies. The patent describes the invention as.....<< MORE >>

Marketing types always say.... it is all about brand recognition. I suppose “brand recognition” is slightly different than “golf club design patent drawing recognition,” (ok, more than slightly) but they are not entirely unrelated. The following drawings come from a driver design patent that issued yesterday to one of the big guys. Do you recognize this club?.....<< MORE >>

I bet that at least 77% of golfers will not recognize this driver. The following drawing comes from a driver design patent that issued recently to one of the big guys. Do you recognize this club?.....<< MORE >>

A truly playable lighted golf ball…. can it be made? I have my doubts. Last week a lighted golf ball patent application published in which the inventor discloses his view of the ideal lighted golf ball. The application published as US Pub. No. 20080108454 titled “Golf Ball Containing Photoluminescent Material and a Light Source,” which describes the invention as..... Interesting, but my gut tells me that there are a few technical challenges that the inventor will have to overcome.<< MORE >>

An interesting patent issued on Tuesday that is supposed to assist golfer in reading greens. I reviewed the patent and thought to myself….. “I would give those glasses a try.” The patent is USPN 7370960 titled “Method and Apparatus for Viewing a Golf Putting Green” and describes the invention as..... << MORE >>

I am not sure what to say about this golf club patent application titled “Golf Club, Jetdrv Driver for Increased Distance and Accuracy;” other than to say that it is interesting (and it did not result in a patent being issued). The application published as US Pub. No. 20050032584 and contains the following figures..... The application describes the golf club as follows..... Do you believe it?<< MORE >>