Jet Dock designs, markets, and sells drive-on boat dock and personal watercraft lift systems. The design of the docks, developed and patented in 1996 by Jet Dock’s founders, employs the use of individual float units and flexible connections to allow boats and personal watercraft to drive up onto the docking systems. The hull and drive mechanisms remain clear of the water and out of the elements that cause fouling and corrosion.
In 2003, ERA Marine Products, Inc, dba Versa Dock, began the sale and manufacture of virtually identical drive-on docking systems. Jet Dock Systems filed suit for damages and injunction.
In a series of rulings culminating on September 30, 2009, John R. Adams, judge of United States District Court, Northeast District of Ohio, Eastern Division granted summary judgment on validity and infringement in favor of Jet Dock on designs involving differential flexing in the ‘arms’ of the docking system.
On October 26, 2009, Adams granted an injunction against Versa Dock, forbidding them to manufacture, advertise, use or sell the infringing systems in the United States. Adams cited both the start of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show – the largest boat show in the world – and the fact that ERA Marine Products, Inc. does not appear to be financially solvent in making his decision and granting the injunction.
Further proceedings on additional infringement have been scheduled for June, 2010, with damages to be determined thereafter.
