AIREAYE 248 Report post Posted May 7, 2013 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/the-law-page/ontario-hockey-supplier-takes-on-reebok-over-patented-bag/article11738357/?cmpid=rss1&utm_source=dlvr.it&_gi_utm_medium=twitter"A small Ontario hockey supplier is taking on industry giant Reebok-CCM Hockey Inc. in a gloves-off brawl over a popular new stand-up style of wheeled hockey gear bag.Grit Inc., based in Tottenham, Ont., has filed a case in Federal Court alleging Reebok subsidiary Sport Maska Inc. has started marketing a new hockey bag that is similar to Grit’s well-known Hockey Tower. Grit alleges the design infringes on its registered industrial design and patent.Sport Maska, based in St-Laurent, Que., denies all the claims and says its Reebok 20K hockey bag does not infringe on Grit’s designs or patents. The company has counter-sued Grit, alleging the Ontario company has “made false or misleading statements tending to discredit” Sport Maska to distributors and potential customers."There was someone on here who first noticed it, I think over on the Gear Sightings thread. Here's the situation.As I've mentioned elsewhere, the popularity of these stand-up, luggage style compartment bags have surged in recent years. In my area, I've noticed a surge in popularity of both the basic Grit models as well as the Reebok 10K wheel bag (https://als.sourceforsports.com/catalog/bag-wheeled/reebok-10k-wheeled-backpack-large), which is interesting because Reebok could absolutely have made a similar style of wheeled compartment bag, christened it the '20K' and NOT have drawn the ire of the guys from GRIT. It just seems, on the surface at least, Reebok straight up took the Grit design. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shooter27 116 Report post Posted May 8, 2013 I just went and looked for a picture of the 20k bag, and wow. Reebok didn't even try to hide the fact that they were ripping off Grit's design. Even the interior compartments looks the same. I mean usually when one company rips off another they at least attempt to make it look like they did some of their own design work, but this is basically just a straight copy. Assuming Grit has patents that cover the design and compartment arrangement, my guess is they'll win in court pretty easily. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted May 8, 2013 While I'm not familiar with the patent or patents in question, it's important for legitimate patents to be honored. These guys aren't the patent trolls that have turned the system into a joke and they explained pretty well why it's so important. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AIREAYE 248 Report post Posted May 8, 2013 I'm not familiar with any of the legal details either, I just think Reebok, being the bigger company, could easily have taken their (I think) relatively successful 10K product (which I think is now dubbed the 18K bag) and simply improved upon that. If anything, the silver lining for the Grit guys would be an acknowledgement of the quality of their product. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RadioGaGa 162 Report post Posted May 8, 2013 What does Grit hope to achieve? A cease production/recall situation or do they just want to get paid for every bag Reebok makes/sells. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wrangler 157 Report post Posted May 8, 2013 Generally, suits of this nature seek an injunction against further sales, and compensation bssed on sales to date. If further sales are prohibited, the defendant can give up the product, or work out a contract with the plaintiff company to continue production and sale. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
illinidave 1 Report post Posted May 8, 2013 The Reebok 20k bag price is lower than the grit bag I believe. Could license the IP to Reebok for % of sales as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RadioGaGa 162 Report post Posted May 8, 2013 The Reebok 20k bag price is lower than the grit bag I believe. Could license the IP to Reebok for % of sales as well.See, now to me...that sounds like a deal from an Episode of 'Dragon's Den' (or 'Shark Tank' for those in the US) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted May 8, 2013 See, now to me...that sounds like a deal from an Episode of 'Dragon's Den' (or 'Shark Tank' for those in the US)Well, that's how RBK/CCM got the distribution deal for Oakley visors. It started with CCM/RBK being accused of violating the Oakley patents. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shooter27 116 Report post Posted May 8, 2013 The Reebok 20k bag price is lower than the grit bag I believe. Could license the IP to Reebok for % of sales as well.Not true.Grit Tower $159.99 http://www.hockeyshot.com/Grit-HT1-Hockey-Tower-Bag-p/bags-005.htmReebok 20k $159.99 http://www.totalhockey.com/product/20K_Wheel_Bag/itm/11915-41/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
illinidave 1 Report post Posted May 8, 2013 I was referring to ht4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shooter27 116 Report post Posted May 8, 2013 The HT4 isn't really a comparable bag to the 20k. It's got a stronger frame and it's made to be collapsible. The HT1 is the comp bag for the 20k Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beerleaguecaptain 999 Report post Posted May 12, 2013 Shameless move on RBK/CCM's part.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldtrainerguy28 478 Report post Posted May 16, 2013 I hate these bags take up way to much room in the dressing room.......My son played net this year and thee was no room in some of the smaller dressing rooms to put pads on... we had to go to the hall way to dress.Get rid of them all!LOLLucky he is playing out again this year...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EvilPepe 24 Report post Posted May 16, 2013 I hate these bags take up way to much room in the dressing room.......My son played net this year and thee was no room in some of the smaller dressing rooms to put pads on... we had to go to the hall way to dress.Since I don't coach any teams these days, I haven't witnessed this first hand (but have heard others make the same comment regarding their kids and these bags). How are they using them so that they take up so much room? A lot of men's league guys around my parts like them for the small footprint, and from what I've seen they do seem to take up less space overall. Color me confused. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AIREAYE 248 Report post Posted May 16, 2013 Different planes; every other bag takes up floor space moreso than the Grit or tower style bags which are rigid in structure and take up only height. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EvilPepe 24 Report post Posted May 16, 2013 Different planes; every other bag takes up floor space moreso than the Grit or tower style bags which are rigid in structure and take up only height.Exactly my point - how are kids using them in a way that seems to take up MORE floor space? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chadd 916 Report post Posted May 16, 2013 Exactly my point - how are kids using them in a way that seems to take up MORE floor space?Most youth bags are smaller than a Grit that has been laid down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EvilPepe 24 Report post Posted May 16, 2013 Dummy kids. I bet they carry the things in to the rink too Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldtrainerguy28 478 Report post Posted May 16, 2013 Well I will take a pic for you next season and you can see.....Dont forget were talking 8 year olds that have to have parents help (just above houseleague) so when there all in a row its hard to get around them.Some of the rooms are really small in the old Toronto rinks.So you have parents and kids in the room!!!Dont forget when your finished with a regular bag you just slide it under the bench not with these things they stay in the middle of the room! Small rooms they dont work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EvilPepe 24 Report post Posted May 16, 2013 Yeah I imagine those lockerrooms are a zoo. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldtrainerguy28 478 Report post Posted May 16, 2013 https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/943734_10152822573755573_2011020541_n.jpgYah but worth it in the end......they finished 2nd in the league. They started in the 32 tier and played a tier one team for the finals and lost in game 2 of 3 1 to 0.My guy had never played net before either....And never again....LMAO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iceman8310 105 Report post Posted May 21, 2013 Shameless move on RBK/CCM's part....It happens in business. It doesn't make it right Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beerleaguecaptain 999 Report post Posted May 21, 2013 This is a total knock off. Kind of sh*t you see on knock offs sold on a city street. Clear patent violation IMO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
