Connect with us

Equipment

Titleist responds to Costco’s suit with 284-page countersuit

Published

on

Wondering how Acushnet/Titleist’s legal team would respond to Costco’s pursuit of a judgment that the Kirkland Signature ball didn’t infringe on any Acushnet patents? With creativity and overwhelming force, it seems.

Almost five months removed from Costco’s suit, Acushnet is predictably denying all claims, as well as filing a 284-page countersuit of its own. The substance of the suit: Alleging the Costco ball infringes on 10 Acushnet patents.

But this isn’t all: Titleist is also taking issue with the Kirkland Signature Guarantee. You know, the company’s proclamation that, “Every Kirkland Signature product is guaranteed to meet or exceed the quality standards of the leading national brands.”

Acushnet suggests there’s no way a Costco private label product of the same quality as the Titleist Pro V1. Thus, in this case, the Guarantee amounts to false advertising.

In this case, the Kirkland Signature Guarantee, Acushnet alleges, is intended to deceive consumers into believing the Kirkland Signature ball “meets or exceed the quality standards” of Titleist’s Pro V1 line. Further, Acushnet doesn’t believe Costco has conducted the comparison testing required to make the such claims and guarantees.

Kirkland_Signature_Box

Acushnet, in the countersuit, indicates it has done the requisite comparison testing between the Kirkland Signature ball and the Pro V1/Pro V1x. The company found Costco’s ball didn’t go as far across a range of swing speeds, had less back spin, and was less durable.

Not only should the court declare Costco is infringing on the 10 patents in question, the countersuit says, but Costco should pay three times “adequate damages” for the infringement. Even further, Acushnet wants Costco to hand over three times Costco’s profits on the K Sigs.

As of now, Acushnet is not asking for a specific amount in damages. Rather, the company is seeking a jury trial to determine infringement and damages.

This all began with a letter from Acushnet in December. The Pro V1 manufacturer told Costco it believed the company was engaging in false advertising and infringing on company patents. Costco filed its aforementioned suit in mid-March. Acushnet 284-page countersuit represents a response to that motion.

Your Reaction?
  • 142
  • LEGIT27
  • WOW20
  • LOL30
  • IDHT3
  • FLOP8
  • OB9
  • SHANK243

GolfWRX Editor-in-Chief

Whats in the Bag

WITB Time Machine: Rory McIlroy’s winning WITB, 2014 PGA Championship

Published

on

It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since Rory McIlroy outlasted Phil Mickelson at the 2014 PGA Championship. It’s even harder to believe McIlroy hasn’t hoisted a major trophy since his 2014 victory at Valhalla.

After a slow start to his final round, McIlroy tallied an eagle and two birdies on the back nine and his fourth major championship. Take a look at the clubs he played a decade ago in Kentucky.

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert 2.0 Tour (8.5 degrees) Buy here.
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage XTS 70X

3-wood: Nike VR_S Covert 2.0 Tour (15 degrees) Buy here.
Shaft: Fujikura Rombax Pro 95 X

5-wood: Nike VR_S Covert 2.0 Tour (19 degrees) Buy here.
Shaft: Fujikura Rombax Pro 95 X

Irons: Nike VR Pro Blade (4-9) Buy here.
Shaft: Project X 7.0

Wedges: Nike VR Forged (46, 52, 56, 60 degrees) Buy here.
Shafts: Project X 6.5

Putter: Nike Method 006 Buy here.

Grips: Golf Pride MCC

Ball: Nike RZN Black

Check out more in-hand photos of Rory McIlroy’s clubs from 2014 here.

WITB Time Machine is presented by 2nd Swing Golf. 2nd Swing has more than 100,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online. Check them out here.

Your Reaction?
  • 0
  • LEGIT0
  • WOW0
  • LOL0
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP0
  • OB0
  • SHANK0

Continue Reading

Whats in the Bag

Tiger Woods WITB 2024 (May)

Published

on

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS (10.5 degrees @9.75)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD VF 6 X

3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (15 degrees @13.5)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD VF 7 X

5-wood: TaylorMade M3 (19 degrees @18.25)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 80 TX

Irons: 2023 TaylorMade P770 (3), TaylorMade P7TW (4-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 Raw (56-12TW, 60-TW11)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS prototype
Grip: Ping PP58 Blackout

Ball: Bridgestone Tour B X (2024)

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord 58R

More Tiger Woods WITBs

 

Your Reaction?
  • 0
  • LEGIT0
  • WOW0
  • LOL1
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP0
  • OB0
  • SHANK0

Continue Reading

Equipment

Titleist launches Pro V1, Pro V1x and Pro V1x Left Dash balls with enhanced alignment

Published

on

Titleist has today introduced Pro V1, Pro V1x and Pro V1x Left Dash golf balls featuring enhanced alignment.

The new Enhanced Alignment aid is an extended alignment sidestamp designed for more precise aim and accuracy. The elongated sidestamp provides a built-in visual aid and measures over 65 percent longer than the standard Pro V1 sidestamp.

“Enhanced Alignment is designed for golfers who are seeking a more detailed, built-in alignment feature on their Pro V1, Pro V1x or Pro V1x Left Dash. We saw overwhelming interest in the single-colored line on Pro V1 Performance Alignment, and this is another alternative for players who prefer a slightly different look.” – Jeremy Stone, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing

In addition to Enhanced Alignment, Titleist offers more than 40 different alignment aid designs on Pro V1’s fourth pole – opposite the sidestamp – through custom order on Titleist.com.

Pro V1, Pro V1x and Pro V1x Left Dash Enhanced Alignment golf balls are available to order through titleist.com and at authorized Titleist retailers beginning on May 17 in the United States only. Enhanced Alignment is available globally on July 1. 

Your Reaction?
  • 6
  • LEGIT0
  • WOW0
  • LOL0
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP0
  • OB0
  • SHANK1

Continue Reading

WITB

Facebook

Trending