ode - one of the links had someone that alerted MGS of container ships had arrived with Costco golf balls as cargo.

"A couple of weeks ago, an alert reader brought it to our attention that SM Global (listed on the USGA list as the manufacturer of the K-Sig – it’s actually the importer) received a sizeable shipment (20 containers, each weighing 40,000 lbs) of golf balls from Korea in July.

Further confirming impending availability, a source inside Costco tells us that (my edit: the replacement) K-Sigs have arrived at distribution centers and appear to be headed to new store openings in Michigan, Nebraska, California, and New York. From there it’s likely only a matter of time before they reach other Costco locations."

  • ode replied to this.

      mikeintopeka ok, not sure how i missed that, still more speculation. We have no idea when it will be available (for sale at costco ) and what ball it will be.

        HybridWood Hey, wait a minute, I still have an unused 3M Greptile glove in my basement!

        Do you need a pic for proof?

        Proof of life is required.............. ☺

          sdandrea1 changed the title to COSTCO K-Sig - Titleist suing! .

          ode the new ksig is no longer the same ball, ala 338 dimples vs. 360 and 3 pc vs. 4 pc....

          Kind of makes a person wonder why, if a company did not violate copyrights, etc., would they change the ball that had a lot of support. It is a completely different ball.

          And, I'm sure I'm playing some $.50 ball that is as good or better than what this will be.🤔

              Par4QC Kind of makes a person wonder why, if a company did not violate copyrights, etc., would they change the ball that had a lot of support. It is a completely different ball.

              Just speculation but if Costco does not own the patent, how can they be sued for patent infringement? It's quite possible they can't obtain any further stock of the ball now being litigated so they found something else to slap their K Sig logo on.

                  mikeintopeka Just speculation but if Costco does not own the patent, how can they be sued for patent infringement?

                  I thought patent infringement meant "building and/or selling something identical to a patent held by someone else ". ??

                      Meh.

                      I'm waiting for Sam's Club to rip off the Callaway Chrome-soft.

                      sdandrea1 It does not have to look like, or be identical to, the item infringed upon. A golf ball cannot be patented, as such. Only the process to make it what it is.

                      One cannot build and sell a hydraulic shaft puller, for example. It is patented. You may build/sell any puller though, as long as it does not use hydraulics.

                      Patent infringement is the commission of a prohibited act with respect to a patented invention without permission from the patent holder. Permission may typically be granted in the form of a license. The definition of patent infringement may vary by jurisdiction, but it typically includes using or selling the patented invention.

                          Par4QC

                          I get that. Mikeintopeka was asking why Costco could be sued if they didn't own the patent. My point is that Costco is accused of copying something (process, design, etc) that is patented by Acushnet.

                            Par4QC The definition of patent infringement may vary by jurisdiction, but it typically includes using or selling the patented invention.

                            So be wary when using any hydraulic shaft puller. Only use it in a locked closet. Answer for no one!😲

                              Rickochet I went to my Costco yesterday and was going to check to see if they carried these. I did not see a single golf item of any kind.

                              They probably consider golf to be "seasonal." It'll all be back on the shelves around November, along with the swimwear.☺