Z-Man Fishing Products, Inc. (Z-Man) and Phenix Rod & Bait (Phenix) announced that Phenix has agreed to discontinue all manufacture, marketing and sale of its “Vibrator Jig.” After the success and growth of the ChatterBait, the “Vibrator Jig” was one of many knock-offs to hit the market. A lawsuit was filed by Z-Man on March 28, 2011, alleging that Phenix’s “Vibrator Jig” infringed the patent and trade dress rights in the ChatterBait lure.

“After reviewing the facts of the case and conferring with counsel, Phenix now has a much greater respect and understanding of the intellectual property rights surrounding The Original ChatterBait,” stated Charles Benge, co-owner of Phenix. The settlement amount was undisclosed, but in addition to a monetary settlement, Phenix has agreed to cease all sales of the “Vibrator Jig” and any other infringing design within sixty (60) days.

Jonathan Zucker, President of Z-Man, announced: “We are glad to put this particular matter to rest. This settlement marks another accomplishment in Z-Man’s policing campaign to protect the intellectual property value in the ChatterBait product line, and we will continue to see to it that all infringers are pursued to the fullest extent of the law. Our intention is that situations like this will help educate the fishing tackle industry about the importance of respecting the intellectual property rights of others.”