Boat Co. Wins $2.7M Verdict After TC Heartland Move Failed
Troutman Sanders client Cobalt Boats wins $2.7 million patent verdict. Partners Robert Angle and associate David Gettings were mentioned by Law 360 as representing Cobalt in the case. Cobalt sued Brunswick in January 2015 alleging infringement of Cobalt's "retractable swim step", a partially submerged platform that allows boat passengers to easily enter and exit the water. After a 7 day trial, the jury agreed, found Brunswick's infringement to be willful, and awarded $2,690,000 in damages.
Because the jury found Brunswick's infringement to be willful, the Virginia federal court may decide to enhance the verdict up to 3 times the $2.7 million awarded by the jury. In addition, Cobalt plans to seek an injunction against Brunswick’s future sales of Swim Steps on Sea Ray boats.