RC Lawsuit - Meade wins out

Meade Instruments Prevails against Star Instruments and RC Optical Systems

Late word was posted on the Advanced Imaging Pro web site ( tinyurl.com/2g3ktu ) on March 30 that charges levied against Meade Instruments by Star Instruments and RC Optical Systems have been dismissed in U.S. Federal Court. The suit, which had also named several Meade dealers as co-defendants, alleged that Meade's advertising their RCX400 and LX200R telescopes as an "Advanced Ritchey-Chrétien" optical design was fraudulent.

In their lawsuit, Star Instruments and RC Optical Systems accused Meade and its dealers of racketeering, conspiracy, and violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, as well as deceptive business practices, among others. All accusations were dismissed and the judge rejected plaintiffs' request to file an amended complaint. In addition, the judge's decision also eliminates most of the money damages sought by the plaintiffs.

Said Steve Muellner, CEO and President of Meade, after the ruling, "As we have said before, we have believed from the start that this lawsuit was simply an attempt by the plaintiffs to use litigation to prevent fair market competition. We are very pleased with these rulings and we will continue to vigorously defend ourselves against the remaining claims and to assert Meade's right to continue to introduce high quality, competitively priced telescope products now and in the future."

Good to see it resolved. The industry does not need another saga like what went on between Meade and Celestron.

It always seems to be Meade portrayed as the bad guys though!

Guys,

BE CAREFUL .... some aspects of the lawsuit were thrown out of court. The plaintiff (RC) has until Monday to provide a case to the judge for the remaining items in a document which is 10 pages or less. Meade will then have a week (until April 9) to answer to this document with a document of its own (also up to 10 pages).

A little patience since "we" are not done yet.

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER by Judge Gary A. Feess Regarding Defendants'
MOTION to Dismiss Case [9] and Order to Show Cause. Defendants'
Motion to Dismiss is DENIED with respect to the second cause of
action for trademark infringement and the tenth cause of action for
New York common law unfair competition. The motion is GRANTED WITHOUT
LEAVE TO AMEND in all other respects. Additionally, the first cause of
action for false description of goods in commerce is DISMISSED WITH
PREJUDICE for lack of standing as to Azari, and Plaintiffs are
ORDERED TO SHOW CAUSE why the second cause of action for trademark
infringement and the tenth cause of action for common law unfair
competition should not be dismissed as to Star. Plaintiffs may
satisfy this Order no later than 4/2/2007 by submitting a memorandum
not to exceed 10 pages. Defendants may then respond no later than
4/9/07 with a memorandum also not to exceed 10 pages.

PS. I have also read on another forum (sci.astro.amateur) that Meade has now changed their advertising in magazines etc to read "Cassegrain derivative" as opposed to the previous "advanced Ritchey-Chretien".