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PING Buys Nike Golf Patents


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Kinda wondered what would happen to all of Nike's golf patents.  Now we know...

 

From the Phoenix Business Journal:

 

 

Exclusive: Ping buys Nike golf patents

 

Federal patent records released Tuesday answered one of the lingering questions about Nike's exit from the golf equipment business: What will happen to Nike's sizable portfolio of golf equipment patents?

 

The company has patented everything from smart golf clubs to a driver with finsmeant to improve club head speed.

 

Nike has sold five golf equipment patents to Phoenix-based Karsten Manufacturing Corp.,… more

NIKE, VIA U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

 

The new patent records show Phoenix-based Karsten Manufacturing Corp., parent of the Ping golf brand, purchased five of the patents. Each of the patents describes club technology.

 

"We see this as an opportunity to add utility patents to our already significant intellectual property portfolio," said Ping President John K. Solheim, in a statement. "Our team can use these patents, along with our existing intellectual property, to our competitive advantage, accelerating our ability to further technology that ultimately leads to higher performing, score-lowering golf equipment."

 

Terms of the patent sales weren't disclosed. A Ping spokesman said the company has purchased additional Nike golf equipment patents, but those sales are not yet reflected in patent records.

 

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office lists 1,237 Nike patents related to golf. Some are footwear and apparel patents that Nike would likely seek to retain.

 

"As a part of our exit from the golf equipment business we have sold certain patent assets that were developed in connection with the innovations created as a part of Nike's golf club and ball business," Nike said, in a statement. "We are proud of the innovations created by the Nike Golf team and are happy that consumers will still be able to benefit from those patented innovations."

 

While Nike is no longer in the golf equipment business, it continues to make golf footwear and apparel, recently extending its endorsement deal with No. 2 golfer Rory McIlroy and signing No. 3 golfer Jason Day.

 

“We're committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel,” Trevor Edwards, Nike Brand president, said in a news release, when Nike announced its exit from the golf equipment business. “We will achieve this by investing in performance innovation for athletes and delivering sustainable profitable growth for Nike Golf.”

 

Nike's golf sales fell 8 percent in fiscal 2016, dropping from $769 million to $706 million. It was the third straight year of declining golf revenue. The division had peaked at $792 million in 2013.

 

What's in the bag:
 
Driver:  :titelist-small:TSR3; :wilson_staff_small: DynaPWR Carbon
FW Wood: :wilson_staff_small: DynaPWR 3-wood; :titleist-small: TSR 2+
Hybrids:  PXG Gen4 18-degree
Utility Irons: :srixon-small: ZX MkII 20* 
Irons:;  :Sub70:699/699 Pro V2 Combo; :wilson_staff_small: D9 Forged;  :macgregor-small:MT86 (coming soon!); :macgregor-small: VIP 1025 V-Foil MB/CB; 

Wedges:  :cleveland-small: RTX6 Zipcore
Putter: :cleveland-small: HB Soft Milled 10.5;  :scotty-small: Newport Special Select;  :edel-golf-1:  Willamette,  :bettinardi-small: BB8; :wilson-small: 8802; MATI Monto

Ball: :bridgestone-small: Tour B RXS; :srixon-small: Z-STAR Diamond; :wilson_staff_small: Triad

Stat Tracker/GPS Watch: :ShotScope:


 
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New Ping golf balls on the way? That is my first thought.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Driver:  :ping-small: G30 9*

 

Irons:  :callaway-small:  X-Forged 3-PW

 

Wedges:  :cleveland-small: RTX 2.0 52*

                :ping-small:  Glide 58*

 

Putter:   :taylormade-small: Itsy-Bitsy Spider

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New Ping golf balls on the way? That is my first thought.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Me as well

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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Uh oh. Nike has an Apple Watch.. this could get interesting. Especially since Finau and a few other staffers moved to Ping. I checked out those iBlades in shop the other day. I think I could play them.

 

Like Mr. Chris O said. I bet we see a new Ping Zing ball.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

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Sounds like a solid move for Ping.

Look forward to seeing what they come up with.

 :srixon-small:  ZX5 MKII LS 8.5

:taylormade-small: Stealth 2 plus 3 wood

:taylormade-small: Stealth 2 plus 5 wood

:taylormade-small: Stealth 2 plus 19.5 Hybrid 

:srixon-small: ZX5 MKll 5 / AW Dart stiff

:taylormade-small: MG3 black 52 9b 58 12b

:scotty-small:  7.5 Phantom 34”

:srixon-small: Z Star Diamond 2023

 

 

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New Ping golf balls on the way? That is my first thought.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

 

Me as well

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

 

 

The article states that all 5 patents purchased were related to club technology.  Ping has not purchased anything related to balls

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This is interesting! Can't wait to see what Ping has in store for the future.

Driver:            :cobra-small: Aerojet 9* | Hzrdus Black Gen 4
Fairway:         :ping-small: G410 3W 13* | Alta CB 65
Hybrid:           :titleist-small: TS2 18* | Tensei AV Blue 70 S
Hybrid:           :ping-small: iCrossover 20* | Kai'li White 80
Irons:              :taylormade-small: P790 5-PW | DG S300
Wedges:         :titleist-small: Vokey SM9 | 52, 56, 60 | DG S200
Putter:            :L.A.B.: Link.1 | Accra x LAB

--- LAB Golf Link.1 Review ---

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very interesting... Ping has for years seemed reluctant to change (see the hosel on older pings!) but recently are more comfortable with it.

I'll be curious how this plays out.

DriverCobra  Aerojet LS
Woods-
Cobra  LTD 3w 15*, 5W 19*,  F9 24* 
Irons- XXIO X (6-A)

Wedges- Callaway Jaws Raw (54/58)

Putter- Bettinardi BB56
Ball- Maxfli Tour X/Wilson Triad
Buggy- Clicgear 4.0
Bag- Callaway Org 14/Fairway C

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This could get interesting ;) 

Ping G430 Max Driver 10.5 Degree
Titleist TSR1 4, 5, & 6 Hybrids 
Titleist T350 Irons 7 - W48 
Cleveland
CBX ZipCore  52 56 & 60 Degree Wedges

LAB Mezz Max Broomstick Putter / TPT Shaft  (Platinum @ 45/78)

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

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Nike was suppose to have their best ever driver come out this year, a big jump in tech for them, could Ping use it? Would be interesting.

Driver- Callaway 815 Big Bertha Alpha Double Black Diamond

3 Wood- Callaway 815 Big Berth Alpha

3 -5 Hybrids Callaway Apex

6-PW- 2014 Callaway Apex Pro

50,54, 58 Wedges- Callaway MD3

Putter- SeeMore FGP

Ball- Kirkland Signature and Snell MTB

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very interesting... Ping has for years seemed reluctant to change (see the hosel on older pings!) but recently are more comfortable with it.

I'll be curious how this plays out.

So glad they switched to ferrules.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

:cleveland-small: Launcher HB Driver 10.5* | :cleveland-small: Launcher HB 5W | :cleveland-small: Launcher HB 3H and 4H | :cleveland-small: Launcher CBX Irons 5-PW | :cleveland-small: CBX Wedges 50*, 54*, 58* | :cleveland-small: TFI 2135 Cero Putter | :srixon-small: Q Star Balls
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The article states that all 5 patents purchased were related to club technology. Ping has not purchased anything related to balls

After reading through again I did see that...I wish someone would make the RZN black with a different logo on it. I have really enjoyed that ball.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Driver:  :ping-small: G30 9*

 

Irons:  :callaway-small:  X-Forged 3-PW

 

Wedges:  :cleveland-small: RTX 2.0 52*

                :ping-small:  Glide 58*

 

Putter:   :taylormade-small: Itsy-Bitsy Spider

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This is really interesting because Nike was supposed to have an amazing driver coming. I would love to see what Ping could do with this!

In my bag:

Driver: :callaway-logo-1: Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS 10.5* (set to 9.5) UST Lin-Q Gunmetal 6f5

Wood: :titleist-small: Tsi2 15* Project X RDX Black 70 6.5

Hybrids: :cobra-small: King Utility 19.5* Diamana Tensei White Pro 90TX

Irons: :cobra-small: Cobra King Tour MIM 4-PW Dynamic Gold 120 X100

Wedges: :taylormade-small: Milled Grind 3 50*, 54*, 58* Tour Issue S400

Putter: :seemore-small: Nashville Z1C 34"

 Ball: :titleist-small:  Pro V1x

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Made the blog today -- click here for more details

 

What's in the bag:
 
Driver:  :titelist-small:TSR3; :wilson_staff_small: DynaPWR Carbon
FW Wood: :wilson_staff_small: DynaPWR 3-wood; :titleist-small: TSR 2+
Hybrids:  PXG Gen4 18-degree
Utility Irons: :srixon-small: ZX MkII 20* 
Irons:;  :Sub70:699/699 Pro V2 Combo; :wilson_staff_small: D9 Forged;  :macgregor-small:MT86 (coming soon!); :macgregor-small: VIP 1025 V-Foil MB/CB; 

Wedges:  :cleveland-small: RTX6 Zipcore
Putter: :cleveland-small: HB Soft Milled 10.5;  :scotty-small: Newport Special Select;  :edel-golf-1:  Willamette,  :bettinardi-small: BB8; :wilson-small: 8802; MATI Monto

Ball: :bridgestone-small: Tour B RXS; :srixon-small: Z-STAR Diamond; :wilson_staff_small: Triad

Stat Tracker/GPS Watch: :ShotScope:


 
Follow @golfspybarbajo

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The article states that all 5 patents purchased were related to club technology. Ping has not purchased anything related to balls

Made the blog today -- click here for more details

So after reading the blog it sounds like there could be more patents purchased in the near future? Is that true?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Driver:  :ping-small: G30 9*

 

Irons:  :callaway-small:  X-Forged 3-PW

 

Wedges:  :cleveland-small: RTX 2.0 52*

                :ping-small:  Glide 58*

 

Putter:   :taylormade-small: Itsy-Bitsy Spider

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Well I was a Nike snob before now I have to up my game to Ping...this is a cool development.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Driver:  :titelist-small: TSi3 Tester Check out the Review HERE

2-Iron- :Sub70: 699-U

5-Wood:  :Sub70: Pro (18*) 

Irons :  :ping-small: i210 4-PW

Wedges:  :cleveland-small:  RTX-4 50* and 54* RTX-3 *58

Putter::1332069271_TommyArmour: Impact No. 3

Ball:  MAXFLI TOUR 

Tracked by: :Arccos:  

Bag: BagBoy ZTF Stand Bag (REVIEW HERE)

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Finau is one of my favorites. He looks good with the Nike swag and the Ping irons in the bag.

 

 

- Alan

(all I have to say)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Driver:  :titelist-small: TSi3 Tester Check out the Review HERE

2-Iron- :Sub70: 699-U

5-Wood:  :Sub70: Pro (18*) 

Irons :  :ping-small: i210 4-PW

Wedges:  :cleveland-small:  RTX-4 50* and 54* RTX-3 *58

Putter::1332069271_TommyArmour: Impact No. 3

Ball:  MAXFLI TOUR 

Tracked by: :Arccos:  

Bag: BagBoy ZTF Stand Bag (REVIEW HERE)

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I didn't know Finau switched to Pings! Anyway, Ping drivers, fww, hybrids and irons always seem to be near the top or at the top of most golf lists. Can't imagine what tech Nike had that Ping would want...

 

MDGolfHacker

TSssWhat's In This Lefty's Bag?

Driver: :titleist-small: TSR2 11° Project X HZRDUS Black 4G 60g 5.5 Flex

Fairway Woods: :cobra-small: F8 3W Project X Even Flow Blue 75g shaft

Fairway Woods: 

Hybrid: :titelist-small: TSR2  18° Graphite Design Tour AD DI-85 Shaft

Irons: :titelist-small: 2021 T200's 4-GW AMT RED shafts Regular Flex

Wedge: :cleveland-small: Tour Satin RTX 4 Wedges in 52° and 56° 2 Dot

Putter: :nevercompromise-small: Gray Matter TDP 2.2 32.75"

Bag: :1590477705_SunMountain: Three 5

Ball:  :titelist-small:  PRO V1 / :srixon-small: Z*Star

RangeFinder:918457628_PrecisionPro: In search of new range finder

Social Media:

Facebook:   MD Golfhacker
Twitter:        @mdgolfhacker
Instagram:   mdgolfhacker

 

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So after reading the blog it sounds like there could be more patents purchased in the near future? Is that true?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

That's the case - the purchase has yet to be processed by the US Patent office, so we're not sure what those patents cover.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

 

What's in the bag:
 
Driver:  :titelist-small:TSR3; :wilson_staff_small: DynaPWR Carbon
FW Wood: :wilson_staff_small: DynaPWR 3-wood; :titleist-small: TSR 2+
Hybrids:  PXG Gen4 18-degree
Utility Irons: :srixon-small: ZX MkII 20* 
Irons:;  :Sub70:699/699 Pro V2 Combo; :wilson_staff_small: D9 Forged;  :macgregor-small:MT86 (coming soon!); :macgregor-small: VIP 1025 V-Foil MB/CB; 

Wedges:  :cleveland-small: RTX6 Zipcore
Putter: :cleveland-small: HB Soft Milled 10.5;  :scotty-small: Newport Special Select;  :edel-golf-1:  Willamette,  :bettinardi-small: BB8; :wilson-small: 8802; MATI Monto

Ball: :bridgestone-small: Tour B RXS; :srixon-small: Z-STAR Diamond; :wilson_staff_small: Triad

Stat Tracker/GPS Watch: :ShotScope:


 
Follow @golfspybarbajo

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I'm super interested to see where this goes.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

hugo-boss.jpgSilvermere-Custom-Fitting-PXG-140x140.pn

              Epic Sub - Zero Driver
           Callaway XR16 - 3 Wood
          Callaway XR16 - 5 Hybrid
                     PXG 0311
             Titleist SM7 50, 55, 60
                Scotty Cameron

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Interesting pick up by ping but I like ping equipment and I think Nike had good minds in r&d so I like the purchase by ping

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Bryan Pool

Ping G20 Driver

Bombtech hybrids

Ping G20 green dot irons/wedges

Cleveland Huntington beach 6 putter 

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The question is will they use them? Or is it an offensive move to keep another big brand from snatching them up?

 

Defensive rather. The ski hills here in Michigan did that back in the day. Bought up all the hills and closed them up to keep theirs open.

 

And I'm sure technology is bought to keep it out of the hands of the competitor.

 

- Alan

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So I'll be vague here as I don't know what was told to who in confidence...if that isn't a true internet disclaimer I don't know what is.

 

But PING is supposedly gong to release a new iron soon.  Now does soon mean summer or fall.   is the G series up for a new release?   If so it makes since if one of the Nike patents that is far enough along to go to the USGA for approval then production, is that what we could see?

 

It is very interesting news to say the least.  

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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So I'll be vague here as I don't know what was told to who in confidence...if that isn't a true internet disclaimer I don't know what is.

 

But PING is supposedly gong to release a new iron soon.  Now does soon mean summer or fall.   is the G series up for a new release?   If so it makes since if one of the Nike patents that is far enough along to go to the USGA for approval then production, is that what we could see?

 

It is very interesting news to say the least.  

 

The G was released in January of '16, and PING has been holding steady with 18 month release cycles for each line, so it wouldn't surprise me to see something this summer. Doubt it will have anything to do with the patent purchases, though - too soon of a turnaround. PING was probably already working on the next generation G before the original was even released.

 

What's in the bag:
 
Driver:  :titelist-small:TSR3; :wilson_staff_small: DynaPWR Carbon
FW Wood: :wilson_staff_small: DynaPWR 3-wood; :titleist-small: TSR 2+
Hybrids:  PXG Gen4 18-degree
Utility Irons: :srixon-small: ZX MkII 20* 
Irons:;  :Sub70:699/699 Pro V2 Combo; :wilson_staff_small: D9 Forged;  :macgregor-small:MT86 (coming soon!); :macgregor-small: VIP 1025 V-Foil MB/CB; 

Wedges:  :cleveland-small: RTX6 Zipcore
Putter: :cleveland-small: HB Soft Milled 10.5;  :scotty-small: Newport Special Select;  :edel-golf-1:  Willamette,  :bettinardi-small: BB8; :wilson-small: 8802; MATI Monto

Ball: :bridgestone-small: Tour B RXS; :srixon-small: Z-STAR Diamond; :wilson_staff_small: Triad

Stat Tracker/GPS Watch: :ShotScope:


 
Follow @golfspybarbajo

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The G was released in January of '16, and PING has been holding steady with 18 month release cycles for each line, so it wouldn't surprise me to see something this summer. Doubt it will have anything to do with the patent purchases, though - too soon of a turnaround. PING was probably already working on the next generation G before the original was even released.

Yeah, from everything I've learned from talking to some people at OEM's it's generally a 18 to 24 month process from conception to production. I didn't know where Nike was with some of these models, if they had already gotten USGA approval on prototypes and are ready to go into production.  

 

it's definitely something that to me would make a good article or interview with someone at PING or any company for that matter, giving a bit more behind the scenes of what goes on in transactions like these. 

:ping-small: G430 Max 10K 

:titelist-small: TSiR1 15.0 Aldlia Ascent 60g

:titelist-small: TSR2 18.0 PX Aldila Ascent 6og

:titelist-small: TSi1 20 Aldila Ascent Shafts R

:titelist-small: T350 5-GW SteelFiber I80 

:titelist-small: SM10 48F/54M and58K

:ping-small: S159 48S/52S/56W/60B

:scotty-cameron-1: Select 5.5 Flowback 35" 

:titelist-small: ProV1  Play number 12

 

 

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Nice reporting and intriguing possibilities. While I've never been Brand Loyal in that I have an eclectic bag I have always had Ping on the radar whenever I'm considering something new. At least since the Eye 2 days.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Taylor Made Stealth 2 10.5 Diamana S plus 60  Aldila  R flex   - 42.25 inches 

SMT 4 wood bassara R flex, four wood head, 3 wood shaft

Ping G410 7, 9 wood  Alta 65 R flex

Srixon ZX5 MK II  5-GW - UST recoil Dart 65 R flex

India 52,56 (60 pending)  UST recoil 75's R flex  

Evon roll ER 5 32 inches

It's our offseason so auditioning candidates - looking for that right mix of low spin long, more spin around the greens - TBD   

 

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