An Illinois jury awarded football equipment manufacturer, Riddell, $5 million in patent damages against Kranos Corporation, doing business as Schutt Sports.  The jury found that Schutt Sports’ Vengeance line of football helmets infringed Riddell’s patented technology related to football helmets with a raised central band and vent openings for added safety and comfort.  The jury also found that Schutt Sports’ infringement was willful.  The two companies are leading competitors in the football helmet industry.

The case is Riddell, Inc. v. Kranos Corporation, Case No. 1:16-cv-04496 (N.D. Ill.).