Bass Pro Shops sued for patent and trademark infringement

Duel Co. of Hakata, Japan, filed a lawsuit Jan. 6 against Bass Pro Shops in federal court of Miami, Fla.

According to Bloomberg, Bass Pro is charged with infringing patent 7,752,801, which covers a fishing lure.

Bass Pro's "Offshore Angler Island Popper Series" uses the phrase "Rattlin Vibe" in its promotional materials, which allegedly infringes U.S. trademark registrations held by Duel Co. for “Rattl’ N” and “Rattl ’N Vibe.”

Bass Pro is accused of using the phrase to deliberately confuse customers into thinking the Duel Co. products are the same.

The Japanese company is seeking awards of money damages, litigation costs and attorney fees.

Read more from Bloomberg.