By Anni Simpson on December 17, 2014 at 2:29pm
Gunnar – the company behind the hit gaming glasses of the same name – threatened competitor NoScope for infringing on their glasses design.
The short of this story is that Gunnar is suing us with the position that tinted lenses and curved frames – products that have existed in other industries for decades – are patentable items. Michael Agosta, NoScope Operations Manager
NoScope intends to stand firm in their right to manufacture a competing product rather than backing down under the weight of Gunnar’s pressure. NoScope currently sells lower-cost ($19.99 and $29.99) gaming glasses to compete with Gunnar ($69.00+). Gunnar prices quickly climb with options NoScope does not offer like prescription lenses, adjustable nose guards, and headset compatibility.
This is why we're opting to answer Gunnar's suit with a fight. We owe it to our customers and fans, who regularly thank us for providing an affordable alternative for gaming glasses, to let Gunnar know that we are a positive force in this industry, and we will not back down or be bullied out. We believe it is well within our rights to manufacture, design, and sell gaming glasses at a fraction of the cost of Gunnar, with or without their approval. We believe that this is an unethical business practice from them, and we will respond with what NoScope has always stood for: Honesty, transparency, and fairness. Michael Agosta, NoScope Operations Manager
Gunnar declined to comment on the pending lawsuit with Player Theory as of the publication of this article.
NoScope spoke with Player Theory in September about their second generation of gaming glasses.
Disclosure: Player Theory was given review pairs from both lines of NoScope’s gaming glasses in the past, however we have no ties or affiliation, financial or otherwise, to NoScope.
PR
Raleigh, NC – NoScope Glasses' rise to market has been met with phenomenal reception by its growing fan base and customers, but that reception has not gone without attracting attention from incumbent players in the gaming glasses space. That said, we wish to publically state that Gunnar Optiks has filed a lawsuit against us that we feel is without merit.
We hold the position that tinted lenses, as marketed for computer or gaming use, cannot be patented, and that it is within our right to offer our products alongside Gunnar. Competition in the marketplace creates a healthier environment for consumers. Ultimately this fuels price drops and innovation that result in better products at more affordable prices. We feel that we are being targeted because of our ability to offer high-quality gaming glasses for the lowest prices on the market.
It is our belief that Gunnar is primarily attempting to drive us – their new, thriving competition – out of business before we even have our first “birthday.” It is our understanding that we're not the first of Gunnar's competitors to be sued by the industry incumbent. In the business world, just like the gaming industry, fair competition is critical and should not be discouraged.
We believe it is well within our rights to manufacture, design, and sell gaming glasses at a fraction of the cost of Gunnar, with or without their approval.
NoScope
