Bothell's Precor Sues Treadmill Competitor

Precor, the Bothell-based fitness equipment manufacturer, is suing a competitor it claims infringed on the patent for its treadmills.

But the competitor, Life Fitness Co. of Franklin Park, Ill., says Precor's claims are merely a competitive tactic.

"Frankly, we can't believe anyone can file a lawsuit that can be so easily disproved," said Augie Nieto, Life Fitness president and chief executive officer.

"This is a classic case of one company feeling threatened by another's coming into the marketplace and trying their darnedest to thwart it by way of a nuisance lawsuit."

In the lawsuit, Precor says Life Fitness infringed on Precor's patent for six models of its M9 series treadmills.

The lawsuit also charges that Life Fitness is falsely claiming that it has a patent on all-cushioned treadmill desk systems and that Precor lacks a patent on its similar system.

Precor has asked for a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction against Life Fitness to prevent what it alleges is unfair competition.

"Precor has been the leading innovator in the fitness equipment industry for well over a decade," said Bill Potts, president of Precor.

"We lead the industry in creating unique designs and technologies and we aggressively protect our intellectual property. We've successfully litigated to protect many of our patents over the years, and plan to continue that practice."