Garmin suffers Suunto and Strava-shaped setbacks following Fenix 8 Pro release

Garmin has released numerous devices lately, most recently with limited edition versions of the Instinct 3 and the Descent X30. Arguably, the Fenix 8 Pro is the highlight of the company's recent launches (curr. $1,199.99 on Amazon), thanks to its optional microLED display and built-in LTE connectivity. While the dust has barely settled on those releases, Strava and Suunto have now brought separate cases against Garmin in the US.

Citing patent infringements in both instances, the pair are seeking injunctions from Garmin selling smartwatch lines like its Approach, Epix or Fenix series. For instance, Suunto cites the following patents as those that Garmin is currently violating:

• U.S. Patent 9,930,692 – slot-mode antenna assembly integrated into wearable housings.
• U.S. Patent 9,725,245 – antenna design for metal-cased smartwatches.
• U.S. Patent 11,406,159 – advanced respiration monitoring techniques using HRV.
• U.S. Patent 10,762,050 – algorithms for estimating breathing rate from heart rate data.
• U.S. Patent 10,842,142 – methods for detecting golf ball strikes and logging position.

Meanwhile, Strava believes that Garmin is abusing patents 9297651 and 9778053, which Strava claims relate to 'generating user preference activity maps'. At this stage, it is unclear what effect, if any, this litigation will have on Garmin's software and hardware lines. With that being said, a recent post on Reddit by Strava's Chief Product Officer indicates the company's issues with Garmin are more than patent-deep. Screenshotted if removed in future, please see DC Rainmaker's explainer below for more details.