Sports gear maker Schutt seeks bankruptcy protection after losing patent infringement suit

Sports gear maker Schutt in Chapter 11

DOVER, Del. — Sports equipment manufacturer Schutt Sports Inc. has filed for bankruptcy protection, one month after being hit with a $29 million patent infringement verdict.

Schutt, based in Litchfield, Ill., is asking a Delaware bankruptcy judge to halt enforcement of the patent verdict won by rival Riddell Inc., as well as related litigation, as it decides whether to pursue a sale or reorganization.

A Wisconsin jury ruled last month that Schutt’s DNA and ION football helmets and REVO faceguard infringed on Riddell patents aimed at reducing concussions.

In addition to the patent lawsuit, Schutt said in Monday’s filing that it has struggled with the economic downturn and costs related to the discovery of fraudulent activity by the prior owners of an equipment reconditioning business it acquired in 2005.