How bad would you want to wrap your putter around someone’s head if a golfer in your group marked their ball with a lighted flickering ball marker? Maybe it’s just me.....<< MORE >>

Before I get started, I have to say that whenever I read a glowing review of a product or vacation package the pessimist in me automatically thinks “of course it is great, or your experience was wonderful…. it was probably free!” So, let me start by saying that I paid full price, got nothing free, and learned about the Pinehurst Father’s Day Weekend Package via a random spam email (you know the type received when one of the golf magazines sells its subscriber info) rather than a fancy invitation (OK, just bitter because I didn’t receive one). Plus, if they were going to get someone to hype their vacation packages don’t you think they would find someone better than a patent lawyer with a golf blog! I had never been to Pinehurst prior to last weekend, nor did I know anyone that had been there; therefore, I was a little apprehensive about driving 8 hours with my dad to go to play courses based upon the fact that they are quasi-famous (that was my initial thought – turns out that after learning about the history of Pinehurst there is no “quasi” about it).....<< MORE >>

I was fortunate to recently join golf writer Rod Morri on his TalkinGolf golf radio program. Click HERE to listen.....<< MORE >>

It has been a while since a travel bag invention got me excited. In fact, I haven’t been wowed by a travel bag invention since the introduction of the Club Glider of Fore Inventors Only fame. Well, I can’t say that I was wowed by this travel bag invention, but it is a good concept for sure. The travel bag at issue is found in USPN 7,735,643 titled “Inflatable Shipping Device and Method of Forming and Using Same,” which issued this week. The travel bag includes an inflatable bladder and the patent describes the invention as....<< MORE >>

Am I the only one that has noticed the subtle jabs that TaylorMade and Callaway seem to be taking at each other in their commercials?.... Interesting word play, but as a consumer I am confused. Sounds like a lawsuit is needed to get this straightened out.....<< MORE >>

Some inventions just really make me scratch my head and wonder what I am missing. They often seem so bizarre that I wonder if the inventor is really a golfer, but that is the beauty with some golf inventions. I can’t say if this golf glove invention is genius or plain crazy, but I am leaning toward the later (but who am I to judge). The invention at issue is found in USPN 7,725,956 titled “Golf Glove with Club Handle Stop,” which describes the invention as.... So, what do you think? Genius or crazy?....<< MORE >>

OK, that title may be a bit much, but check out the golf shoe design found in USPN D616635 titled “Golf Shoe Outsole with Bristles.”.... Looks more like something you would wear for a street fight than a round of golf..... << MORE >>

Perhaps this combination divot tool and ball marker will give you a little extra guidance during your round. The design is found in a patent that issued this week as USPN D617,409 titled “Combination Golf Ball Mark Repair Tool and Ball Mark.”..... I can use any help that I can get.....<< MORE >>

Now this is a cool golf invention. Let’s just hope it can actually be produced. The invention is found in a patent that issued this week as USPN 7,727,080 titled “Golf Driver Impact Analyzer,” which describes the invention as.... Sign me up, I will buy one.....<< MORE >>

This inventor takes a unique approach to obtaining the perfect golf tee. Why design an entirely new tee when you can just attach a clip to a standard golf tee to create the perfect combination? Well, aside from compliance with the Rules, it sure looks interesting. This tee clip is disclosed in a patent application that recently published as US Pub. No. 20100130311, which describes the invention as.... Heck, I would give it a try..... << MORE >>

I can’t imagine how a golfer can dispute that practicing with this putter will make you a better putter, although it would probably be very humbling and frustrating. This practice putter is disclosed in a patent application that published as US Pub. No. 20090227387 titled “Practice Putter with Pointed Striking Surface.”..... Nice invention, but I would rather have a removable attachment for the face of my everyday putter..... << MORE >>

This invention might not look too crazy if it allowed you squeeze an extra club in your bag. The invention is disclosed in a patent application that published this week as US Pub. No. 20100056290 titled “Detachable Putter Head,” which describes the invention as.... Thanks, but I will keep my dedicated putter (and I suspect it wouldn't actually allow you put an extra club in the bag, even if it were somehow not afoul with the Rules).....<< MORE >>

That’s right, today Callaway was granted a patent listing Lefty as an inventor (the first named inventor in fact). You will probably recognize the club if you are a true golf geek, and it was all the commentators seemed to talk about at Bethpage. The patent granted as USPN D616,512 titled “Hybrid Golf Club Head.” Check it out!.... << MORE >>

Yep, I would actually buy a set of the golf ball markers disclosed in a recently published patent application. The application published as US Pub. No. 20100125008 titled “Golf Ball Marker,” which describes the invention as.... Great idea, but won't it be a little odd carrying around 18 different ball markers?....<< MORE >>

I fairly consistently hit my putts where I intend; the problem is that where I intend to hit them rarely correlates with where the hole is actually located for putts of ten feet or more. This is probably true for most golfers that have handicaps over five. Therefore, the following recently issued patent really caught my eye (although some of the language in the claims strikes me as odd). The patent is USPN 7,713,148 titled “Topography Linked Golf Aid,” which describes the invention as.... Great invention, but....<< MORE >>

Can you ever get enough information regarding golf ball aerodynamics? OK, maybe some people can, but not the readers of this blog. Check out this new Acushnet design..... So, can you name the 5 Platonic Solids? How about the 13 Archimedian Solids?..... << MORE >>

On Thursdays I often find myself muttering “who could possibly need that” as I am looking through the golf-related patent applications that just became publicly available. However, then I snap back into reality and remind myself that whether or not a person actually “needs” a product has very little to do with its success. After all, who needs a $400 driver, a Cameron putter, or $40/dozen golf balls? This internal dialogue most recently played out when I came across a patent application for a “Multipurpose Golf Divot Tool.” (US Pub. No. 20100113175) After shaking my head, and mumbling to myself, I came to the realization that this may be the perfect impulse buy for the non-golfer. Admittedly, I can’t imagine any of the golfers that I know actually buying the product, but it is the type of thing that every non-golfer would think is the perfect present for a golfer.....<< MORE >>

Why does Callaway want a mulligan and another trial in the ProV1 patent litigation? Well, the same reason that Acushnet wanted a re-do after it lost the first trial; because losing sucks! (especially when 9 figures are involved) Callaway has filed a Motion for a New Trial and Judgment as a Matter of Law. If you have been following the litigation then you really should click on the link and skim through the motion, it gives you a flavor for courtroom dynamics at the trial. For those of you that don’t love golf patent litigation enough to skim through a 67 page PDF, shame on you, but I have reproduced some interesting snippets from the motion below. Enjoy!.....<< MORE >>

Recall the post titled “The Next Step in Club Head Adjustability? Acushnet’s COR Adjustment Patent” from 2-1/2 years ago? If not, check it out and then judge for yourself whether the Acushnet design or the Nike design is more practical. Nike’s take on the adjustable face stiffness concept was disclosed this week in a patent application that published as US Pub. No. 20100113178 titled “Golf Club Head or Other Ball Striking Device Having Adjustable Stiffened Face Portion.” The application explains.... Cool stuff, but can it be manufactured into a commercial product?.... << MORE >>

I have often wondered if all the “adjustability” features of modern clubs are simply a fad that will die off, or is there staying power? Well, fad or not, adjustability has given birth to a ton of patent applications. One of the latest is a Nike patent application that published as US Pub. No. 20100099511 titled “Golf Clubs and Golf Club Heads with Adjustable Center of Gravity and Moment of Inertia Characteristics." Check out these irons!.....<< MORE >>

It has been almost exactly 2 years since I authored the post titled "Holy Mackerel, Could this be the Next New Titleist or Cobra Driver?" The driver design disclosed in that post generated a lot of interest, but we have yet to see the club hit the market. Perhaps is was mothballed. Well, this week a Cobra patent application published that discloses a design that has some similar design attributes, along with some new twists like retractable wings. This week's application published as US Pub. No. 20100105499 titled “Golf Club Head with Moveable Insert.” Check out this driver design!.... Interesting. I think I like it, but I bet it will be hard to implement into a commercial product.....<< MORE >>

Boy, it has been years since I thought about the lawsuit brought by Triple Tee Golf (TTG), and founder Jack Gillig, against Nike and Tom Stites. Therefore, I was surprised to learn of a last week's decision from the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) that has given life back to parts of the lawsuit..... I hope this one is wrapped up before I retire and head down to The Villages!.... << MORE >>

I have never been much of a baseball fan so perhaps the genius of this invention is lost on me. Check out the invention disclosed in a patent application that published last week as US Pub. No. 20100099508 titled “Ball Game and Equipment.”.... Can’t golf just simply be golf?....<< MORE >>

It has been a while since the last post covering a bizarre golf club patent and I am starting to sense the pent up demand for such a post (not really). Well, there is no doubt that the putter found in US Patent No. 5362048, which issued in 1994, meets the criteria. Check out this beauty!.... Surprised we haven’t seen any of these on tour?.... << MORE >>

Who says the Golf-Patents blog doesn’t cover fashion? OK, it really doesn’t, but last week a patent application published directed to golf shirt technology that is guaranteed (not really) to give you a higher swing speed, and probably significantly increase the number of times that you accidentally knock the ball of the tee!..... While it would be interesting to see if this garment actually improved a golfer’s swing speed, is there any chance that it wouldn’t screw up your swing?....<< MORE >>

That’s right, golf and horseshoes. How can it go wrong? It might just be the best backyard drinking game since lawn jarts (the old school dangerous ones of course)..... As stupid as it sounds, I know most golfers would probably have fun smacking these around the backyard.....<< MORE >>

Last month I posted about an Acushnet golf ball dimple patent application that was eye catching. Today, a Bridgestone patent application published disclosing an equally interesting dimple design.....<< MORE >>

Every week I look through the newly issued patents and newly published patent applications related to golf for interesting inventions. Well, last week one in particular caught my eye because of a rather risqué title. So here it is, the dirtiest sounding golf-related invention!..... I think I would titled the invention something different!.....<< MORE >>

I was honored to be a guest on the nationally syndicated Small Business Advocate® radio show this morning. Jim Blasingame and I discussed some things that small business owners need to consider when trying to attract investors and potential purchasers. Feel free to listen to the interview HERE....<< MORE >>

It is a fitting time to revisit prior posts that cover Masters champions who are also inventors. So, with respect to utility patents check out the prior post titled "Which Two Masters Champions Have Been Issued Utility Patents since 1976?"; and with respect to design patents check out the prior post titled "Which Top 5 Golfer is an Inventor on a Golf Club Patent? And Who Owns the Patent?" Hint: two of the three inventors have won the Masters multiple times!....<< MORE >>

It is that time of year again to check out Augusta's trademark portfolio. Check out my prior post One More Reason to Admire Augusta National – The Trademark Portfolio, which illustrates that there are some pretty smart people that know how to capitalize on Augusta's fame.....<< MORE >>

Yes, these must be some pretty special golf ball markings to control the “orbit of the head, ballistic trajectory or impact point.” Let’s see if see if you buy it! The patent issued today to SRI Sports (parent of the Srixon brand) as USPN 7,691,005 titled “Golf Ball,” and it explains.... So, do I buy it? The answer is a cautious "probably," but the last thing I need on the tee box is one more thing that I am trying to remember. Which line should I be staring at?..... << MORE >>

Last week Golf Science Technology LLC was granted an interesting putter patent. The basic premise is that you adjust the putter weighting to account for the speed of the greens, then take your normal swing for your typical ten foot putt. Nice theory..... Check out their website, it seems like a pretty reasonable idea but I would have to try it to believe it.....<< MORE >>

Oh, it is too easy to poke fun at golf training aides. Regardless of how ridiculous they may make you look, or feel, I do suspect that most of them would indeed help the average golfer. One such training device received a patent this week. While it may look like a little like a new bagpipe instrument crossed with a flak jacket, I can see that it may have some merit..... I would give it a try, what about you?....<< MORE >>

Better than a hole-in-one for Acushnet! Amazing. You can read the jury's Verdict Sheet HERE. Now will it end? Probably not!..... << MORE >>

Want to get a flavor for the ProV1 golf ball patent litigation and what the jury will be deliberating? If so, check out the Final Jury Instructions read by the judge to the jury. It is pretty interesting reading and gives you a feel for what the jury will be considering!....<< MORE >>

Phil’s testimony was excluded from the first ProV1 trial, but Callaway is doing their best to get it admitted in the second trial. This week Callaway filed a motion titled “Callaway Golf’s Motion to Introduce Deposition Testimony from Phil Mickelson,” which explained their view of why his deposition testimony is important to the case. The motion explains....<< MORE >>

We have heard all about Furyk’s never ending search for the perfect new driver. In fact, I have heard too much about it. Well, this week a SRI patent issued that may give us a look at the next one we see in his bag, or not. Check out this beauty!.... My prediction is....<< MORE >>

Golf ball patents and patent applications are generally one of two types. First, the most common type is directed to the complex composition of one or more layers of the ball, and you generally need an advanced degree in chemistry or polymer engineering to make heads or tails of what has been invented. The second type is directed to the general construction of the ball, often with emphasis on the surface pattern and the related aerodynamics; these are the applications that I find fascinating and are something that the average golfer can appreciate. Lately there has been a trend toward golf ball patent applications directed to improving the aerodynamics of the ball with some rather unconventional surface patterns; and I call them “surface patterns” because they are just too far removed from what most golfers think of as a dimple. In fact, you may recall THIS recent post in which I questioned if the traditional dimple has reached the end of its useful life. Well, today an aerodynamic golf ball patent application was published that discloses a golf ball that is probably unlike anything you could have imagined. Check out this golf ball disclosed in an Acushnet patent application that became public this week..... Pretty amazing stuff! Are the days of the traditional circular dimple numbered?.....<< MORE >>

Over the years I have covered a few of Scotty Cameron’s inventions (HERE, HERE, and HERE). Well, last week he had an interesting design patent issued titled “Front Face of a Putter” (USPN D611,553). Check out this putter face patent!..... Pretty cool, but I am still not sure I am ready to shell out the premium required to have a Cameron putter.<< MORE >>

Boy, in the past six months Nike has given me a lot of material to write about; just see these posts HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE. Well, here is another patent application that published last week. Check out this design..... So, are they taking the adjustability band wagon too far?..... << MORE >>

If you frequent this site then you know that in the past six months I have authored several posts (HERE, HERE, and HERE) regarding some pretty cool, albeit unconventional, designs by Nike. Well, this week another Nike patent application became publicly available and it gives us a look at another interesting design that they have come up with. The patent application published as US Pub. No. 20100062874 titled “Golf Club Head and Golf Club with Tension Element and Tensioning Member,” and explains..... Interesting concept, but this is design that I would have to see to believe.....<< MORE >>

The following is a statement of what Acushnet intends to prove during the ProV1 trial. The most interesting portion contains a statement regarding how much Callaway feels they are entitled to as a result of the alleged infringement. It should be no surprise that Acushnet disagrees. Enjoy..... I actually expected the number to be even higher!....<< MORE >>

So far this week we have looked at the facts that Callaway and Acushnet agree upon and we have seen the facts that they intend to litigate; let's now look at the legal issues that will be litigated. The following is taken from Acushnet's Statement Of Issues of Law That Remain To Be Litigated; it is long, but I guarantee you will will learn a lot if you read it (and I have highlighted the most interesting portions)...... As you can see, patent law is complex and I am sure the jurors have no idea of what they will be in for!<< MORE >>

Facts are facts, right? Well, not necessarily. The following are issues of fact that will be litigated in the ProV1 dispute.....<< MORE >>

In patent litigation it is generally pretty hard for the parties to agree upon anything. Fortunately, a court can be pretty persuasive in forcing the parties to state the facts that they cannot fight about. Here are a few facts that Callaway and Acushnet have agreed upon in the ProV1 litigation.....<< MORE >>

Yesterday we looked at the jointly proposed voir dire for the ProV1 patent infringement trial; today let’s look at the jointly proposed jury instructions.... Interesting stuff. I suspect that some of you, like me, would pay to be on the jury.....<< MORE >>

Jury selection begins this Friday for the big ProV1 trial. This could be the jury that awards the largest amount of damages in golf history; but it could also be the jury that awards nada. In this case it isn’t very often that Callaway and Acushnet agree on anything, therefore let’s take a look at their jointly proposed voir dire designed to screen prospective jurors....... What are your thoughts? Are these questions good enough to identify the crazies or those with bias? I wonder if one side or the other is better off having jurors that are golfers? Interesting question that Callaway and Acushnet have probably studied in detail. What about the USGA question? Would you want people associated with the USGA on the jury, or excluded from it?.....<< MORE >>

A patent issued this week directed to a golf club manufacturing technique that is rather interesting. The patent is USPN 7,670,532 titled “Golf Club Head and Method of Making the Same,” and describes the invention as.....<< MORE >>

That’s right, green is in (and very PC). Still, I was surprised to see an Acushnet patent application publish today titled “Recyclable Golf Ball and Method Therefor.” (US Pub. No. 20100056305) Just close your eyes and imagine golf ball recycling kiosks in every pro shop. Perhaps one at the local grocery store; you know, right next to the can recycling kiosk, the change counting kiosk, the DVD rental kiosk, and the game with the hanging claw and crappy stuffed animals. I think I just heard a tear fall and hit your keyboard. When you read the number of patent applications that I do, eventually you will start to believe that kiosks are about to take over the world. So, what does Acushnet have in mind? Well, I will let the patent application explain the situation....<< MORE >>