Wiley-X and Panoptx Lawsuit Settled

Wiley-X, a manufacturer of protective eyewear, popular with motorcyclists, issued a press release earlier this month announcing a settlement in its patent-infrigement lawsuit against it chief rival, Panoptx.

http://www.wileyx.com/company/ news.aspx

At issue is Wiley-X's patented technology, they describe as a foam-shield fitting between the glasses and the face, that blocks moisture but allows air to pass through, and is also detachable from the frame.

Though hard to understand, it appears that it's only those glasses with detachable foam-gaskets, also known as "eyecups", that's at issue.

Panoptx apparently duplicated this patent on its "Velocity CV" series of eyewear, of which they sell five varieties, popular with motorcyclists.

Under the terms of the settlement, Panoptx is to cease distributing the Velocity CV series, as well as the Warrior series which it sells to the military, by the end of 2008. It also must pay 2008 royalties for all such sales to Wiley-X.

Most riding glasses have some type of foam gasket around the lens sockets to cushion the frame against the face, and reduce the amount of wind and debris entering the eyes. Those who don't ride with a windshield particularly need an effective seal to prevent excessive tears, or the opposite, dry eyes.

You can read Wiley-X's full patent here...
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6062688-description.html

Via Dry Eye Digest