In Portland, Matthew Kish reported Phoenix-based Karsten Manufacturing, parent company of Ping Golf, has "purchased" five of Nike's golf equipment patents. Each of the patents "describes club technology." A Ping spokesperson said that the company has "purchased additional Nike golf equipment patents, but those sales are not yet reflected in patent records." The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office "lists 1,237 Nike patents related to golf" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/25).
AIMING AT THE PIN: In Detroit, Kurt Nagl reported Infiniti has "signed on for a one-year sponsorship" of the LPGA Volvik Championship (May 22-28) and will "supply 26 courtesy cars for LPGA players and executives during their stay." In addition, the Japanese-based automaker is "giving away a QX60 luxury crossover for a hole-in-one" on the par-3 16th hole (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 4/25).
VAULTING TO THE TOP: Boston-based retail company Life is Good has "teamed up" with Gold Medal-winning U.S. gymnast Aly Raisman to "launch a new collection of three T-shirts." The line is "meant to empower women young and old, with an emphasis on kindness, self-confidence and bravery" (BOSTON HERALD, 4/26).
CLEVELAND ROCKS: 15 Seconds of Fame has partnered with the Indians to show fans their video clips when they appear on the Progressive Field scoreboard. The personal video clips and images will be sent to fans' mobile devices in the 15SOF app. The partnership began with yesterday's Astros-Indians game (15SOF).
