defNder, new H&N
12-12-2008, 09:15 AM
#61
Super Moderator
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
I'm going to guess, and it's just a guess, that H&D are simply "intimidating" the smaller H&N restraint company here......I'm guessing their patent claims will not be upheld....but just a guess.
Remember, it's now a business.
The folks at Leatt actually made that part of the design, to stop forward head motion/extention/stress.
12-12-2008, 11:28 AM
#62
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Orlando, FL USA
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree, Hans has a tough case. But I dont' think the Hans patent requires a one-piece design.
IMHO the Hans patent requires (1) the tether to be horizontal, and (2) the rear upright collar has to come up to about eye level. Neither seems to be true with the Defnder.
IMHO the Hans patent requires (1) the tether to be horizontal, and (2) the rear upright collar has to come up to about eye level. Neither seems to be true with the Defnder.
12-12-2008, 11:34 AM
#63
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Orlando, FL USA
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And more recently on the legal front, i.e. the past 24 hours:
Leatt Corporation, a Nevada corporation (PINKSHEETS: LEAT)("Company" or Leatt Corporation"), announced today that a South African High Court granted Leatt Corporation's request for a restraining order against Karl Ebel and Grant Nelson, former employees of Leatt Corporation, which order temporarily restrains them from disclosure of proprietary information about and commercial exploitation of the Leatt Brace ® Moto-R prototype 2.
The injunction was granted on December 5, 2008 and will remain in force until resolution of Leatt Corporation's pending legal proceeding against Mr. Ebel, Mr. Williams and Mr. Nelson in the South African court. Leatt Corporation alleges that the former employees are selling a neck brace (through a California company) that is based on and violates Leatt Corporation's intellectual property rights; that neck brace is sold under the name "DefNder." Leatt Corporation intends to vigorously pursue its claims in this matter....
From here.
The injunction was granted on December 5, 2008 and will remain in force until resolution of Leatt Corporation's pending legal proceeding against Mr. Ebel, Mr. Williams and Mr. Nelson in the South African court. Leatt Corporation alleges that the former employees are selling a neck brace (through a California company) that is based on and violates Leatt Corporation's intellectual property rights; that neck brace is sold under the name "DefNder." Leatt Corporation intends to vigorously pursue its claims in this matter....
12-12-2008, 11:39 AM
#64
Super Moderator
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Well that explains why I haven't heard from Karl Ebel in a while.
I had been emailing him back and forth when they were developing the Leatt Moto Kart (my son was one of the first to wear one and had the misforunte of testing it at Moroso with subsequent return for analysis and a free replacement unit).
Time to let the lawyers off lead, this is going to be interesting.
I had been emailing him back and forth when they were developing the Leatt Moto Kart (my son was one of the first to wear one and had the misforunte of testing it at Moroso with subsequent return for analysis and a free replacement unit).
Time to let the lawyers off lead, this is going to be interesting.
12-12-2008, 11:46 AM
#65
Rennlist Member
And more recently on the legal front, i.e. the past 24 hours:
... Leatt Corporation alleges that the former employees are selling a neck brace (through a California company) that is based on and violates Leatt Corporation's intellectual property rights; that neck brace is sold under the name "DefNder." ....
From here.
12-12-2008, 11:50 AM
#66
Super Moderator
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Happens when someone leaves a job and goes directly to a competitor.
12-12-2008, 12:22 PM
#67
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Orlando, FL USA
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Given that Leatt was doing virtually nothing in the auto racing segment of the motorsports market, like filling orders, it's not surprising they were motivated to leave and concentrate on autos.
I've met both of these guys and believe Grant Nelson is a good engineer (Karl is the marketing side of the equation, IIRC). Developing a product that performs better at lower cost does not sit well with certain parties.
I agree with Lewis that H&D are huffing and puffing. That can be a dangerous game to play, especially if the HANS test data and videos get aired in open court.
I've met both of these guys and believe Grant Nelson is a good engineer (Karl is the marketing side of the equation, IIRC). Developing a product that performs better at lower cost does not sit well with certain parties.
I agree with Lewis that H&D are huffing and puffing. That can be a dangerous game to play, especially if the HANS test data and videos get aired in open court.
12-12-2008, 12:28 PM
#69
Super Moderator
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Shortly thereafter, Valhalla Racing developed their Safety 360 device, $180
Shortly thereafter, Leatt introduced a 'new' version of their brace for $195.
Both are approved by the sanctioning bodies and coexisting on the grid.
So, it can happen.
12-12-2008, 12:33 PM
#70
Drifting
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,464
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
12-12-2008, 12:34 PM
#71
Drifting
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,464
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
12-12-2008, 12:47 PM
#72
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Orlando, FL USA
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the karting world, Leatt was first to market with the Leatt Moto GPX/Kart, $395.
Shortly thereafter, Valhalla Racing developed their Safety 360 device, $180
Shortly thereafter, Leatt introduced a 'new' version of their brace for $195.
Both are approved by the sanctioning bodies and coexisting on the grid.
So, it can happen.
Shortly thereafter, Valhalla Racing developed their Safety 360 device, $180
Shortly thereafter, Leatt introduced a 'new' version of their brace for $195.
Both are approved by the sanctioning bodies and coexisting on the grid.
So, it can happen.
12-12-2008, 12:48 PM
#73
Rennlist Member
And I doubt Hans would want their profit margins made public, which would happen at trial -- guaranteed.
12-12-2008, 01:02 PM
#74
Super Moderator
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Needs More Cowbell
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
