Strava Takes Aim at Garmin in Patent Infringement Lawsuit Over Fitness Features

Strava Sues Garmin Over Patent Infringement Allegations Strava, a leading fitness tracking platform, has filed a lawsuit against Garmin, alleging patent infringement over two features: segments and heatmaps. The complaint, filed in a US court on Tuesday, claims that Garmin's use of these features violates Strava's patents and a Master Cooperation Agreement between the two companies. Timeline of Events According to documents obtained by Reuters, Strava and Garmin have been working together for about a decade, with multiple integrations between their platforms. However, Strava alleges that Garmin began using its patented technology without permission in 2018. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to stop Garmin from selling products with segments or heatmaps features. Immediate Impact The lawsuit has sent shockwaves through the fitness tech industry, with many questioning why Strava is now taking issue with alleged infringements that occurred years ago. DC Rainmaker, a prominent blog in the industry, has raised concerns about the validity of Strava's claims and the potential impact on Garmin's business. Background Context Strava and Garmin are two major players in the fitness tech market, with millions of users worldwide. The Master Cooperation Agreement between the two companies was signed in 2013, outlining terms for collaboration and data sharing. What Happens Next The lawsuit is set to be heard in a US court, with Strava seeking a permanent injunction against Garmin's use of its patented technology. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for both companies and the wider fitness tech industry. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Engadget reporting.*