Law Suit filed against Scent Lok - for Fraud!!!

[T.R. Michels]

On September 13, 2007 The US Patent and Tradmark Offic posted a "Final Rejection Mailed" notice on their web site for Patent # 90007331, which WAS the "double patented" application of Scent Lok for activated carbon clothing for use while hunting. It is illegal to patent something that has already been patented. I, along with three other people, have fought hard to get this application over-turned.

I did this because I believed these people/companies were either: 1. wrongfully sued by Scent Lok, because their products did not infringe on the "supposed" (now rejected) patent application of Scent Lok, 2. because Scent Lok may have stopped sales of other scent control clothing to stores in some way, and, 3. because at least one company did not come out with scent control clothing (because they were afraid of being sued by Scent Lok - even though their product did not contain activated carbon and did not infringe on Scent Lok's non-patent.

Coincidentally a lawsuit for "Fraud" was filed in a Minnesota Court on September 13, 2007, by Theodore Robert Carlson, Mike Buetow, Gary Steven Richardson, Jr., and Joe Rohrbach, against A L S Enterprises Inc. (Scent Lok), and Cabela's Inc., Gander Mountain Company, Bass Pro Shops Inc. and Browning Arms Company, all of which are either licensed by Scent Lok to sell activated carbon clothing, or are actively involved in selling activated carbon clothing. One of the activated clothing companies not listed in this law is Robinson Laboratories / Scent Shield.

I am not involved in theis lawsuit, I just found out about it September 17, 2007.

The reason for the law suit was stated as "Diversity-Fraud", which may imply that these companies either knowingly made false advertising claims about activated carbon clothing, or they knew that the clothing could not and did not perform as those companies claimed.

What does the "Patent rejection" by the US Patent Office mean for those companies who have been paying royalties to Scent Lok, or for those companies who have an agreement with Scent Lok, or for those companies who have been bankrupted by Scent Lok for infringing on the now rejected patent application of Scent Lok? It may mean that Scent Lok's demand for royalties for the past 16 years was never enforceable.

The consequences? This could mean that new technology for scent control clothing, with lower prices, will be available for hunters in the near future.


God bless,

T.R. Michels

[T.R. Michels]

The address is: http://www.heinsmills.com/scent-lok.html

"Heins Mills & Olson P.L.C. is a national law firm that represents businesses and consumers in complex cases involving anti-competitive agreements and fraudulently marketed or labeled products.

The consumer protection attorneys at Heins Mills & Olson are investigating consumer complaints involving odor-eliminating clothing manufacturered by A.L.S Enterprises, Inc. (a.k.a. "Scent-Lok"), Cabela's Inc., Gander Mountain Co., Bass Pro Shops, Inc., and Browning Arms Co.

Consumers have alleged that these companies defrauded the public by misrepresenting the efficacy of their products and the ability to regenerate the odor-eliminating properties of their products.

Submit Your Complaint
If you believe that your odor-eliminating clothing has failed to perform as advertised, please click here (info@heinsmills.com) to contact an attorney at Heins Mills & Olson experienced in consumer cases. There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case.

About Heins Mills & Olson
The consumer protection attorneys at Heins Mills & Olson P.L.C. are nationally recognized for their prosecution of complex class action lawsuits. Learn more about our law firm."


That should clear up any non-sense about me getting paid to refer clients to them. You can all go there direct - if you want to join the law suit.

God bless and good hunting,

T.R.

[tripnchip]

Thanks again TR,  I'm not the only one that didn't think their suit was working as advertised. Will I join the law suit, most likely not, it's good camo and thats what i've strated trating it as, just a camo suit.

[T.R. Michels]

Join - it wont cost you anything, and you could get back part of what you paid for it.

Us the money to get the wife or girlfriend a present. 

Nah - use it for more hunting equipment  fudd.gif - we never have enough.  ::

God bless,

T.R.   

[sdschell]

T.R.,
 So why is Robbinson Labs (Scent Blocker) not included in this?

[T.R. Michels]

I asked the attorneys the same question when they finally got hold of me.

Seems they did not know everyone in the business, which would include Browning, Gore (Tex), Whitewater (Glove) and Robinson.

They said they would expand their suit to include anyone who makes or sells activated carbon clothing here in MN.


I'm fairly sure I am going to be subpoenaed for a deposition on this one too, 'cause of everythig I know, have learned, and my personal involvement. 

Everything I've learned from the Scientists and acdtivated carbon experts and their web sites, tells me that Scent Lok clearly mis-led and mis-informed the hunting public as to the scent reduction capability of activated carbon, and how it can be reactivated.


Anyone who bought an activted carbon suit here in MN (no matter which company mad the clothing) should call those attorneys, 'cause in my opinion you were lied to by the activated carbion suit industry - collectively. They are all in it together.

God bless and good hunting,

T.R.
   

[Tbrothers]

What a joke!!! You really think this is the only product out there that doesn't do what its supposed to Give me a Break.That's the problem with people today if your not happy then lets SUE!!

[The General]

This is a very conflicting story for me.  On one hand I'm not for people going after others in a court of law every day over anything and everything under the sun (i.e. hot coffee at McDonalds).  But I'm also not for being lied to.  One thing I am for is competition so I'm glad about the patent thing.   If you're not happy with the suit just return it.  Cabels takes back just about anything and everything if the customere isn't happy.  I've never owned one but I didn't see the need for it.  I've taken a deer every year I've ever hunted without the use of special soap, scent blockers, or clothing.  It will be interesting to see the outcome.

[T.R. Michels]

You can read the 42 page complaint against Scent Lok here:

http://www.skinnymoose.com/ALSLawsuit.pdfld

I dont think law firms of Heins, Mills, and Merchant & Gould would be involved, unless they thought they could win.

[rchaze60]

I agree with general ,,,, if it didnt work like it said then return it and get your money.... thats what is wrong with this country.... WELL I DONT LIKE THIS SO I AM GOING TO SUE YOU!!!!!!!!!! come on people get a life it was your choice to buy it and like i said if it didnt work then return it and never buy it again..... just my 2cents worth

[T.R. Michels]

So you can mislead people into believing that activated carbon clothing can "reduce 100% of your odors, 1005 of the time" and it is okay.

You do realize that the cost of any GOOD camo clothing that has activated carbon has an "added on fee" of 20 - 50+ dollars per piece, just because it has activated carbon in it (which science says can't be re-activated) dont you??? 

[jigglestick]

I just knew this was what this was all about.
where have you been all along?
let me rephrase that, how come you only come around when you have some sort of aganeda on your plate?
T.R., I don't subscribe to your methods and beliefs, but I do give you credit for time and experience afield.
maybe instead of coming around just to fulfill your own agenda, maybe come around to offer up hunting tips and tactics based on your personal experience.
I think that would be alot more appropriate.

[T.R. Michels]

Back the truck up. I've been sending articles to this site for quiet awhile, and, when I was asked to join the fourm I did so, and if you look you'll see I have several articles and tips on here.

Its just coincidental that much of the Scent Lok stuff has occured within the last 2 weeks (since Sept 13), and that I've checked several links  referring to the article that came out. and doung a lot more informatiion on waht is happening. 
 
Name something for me to talk about, and I'll do it. I've just not been asked for much yet, 'cause I've not been here that long.

May God bless you,

T.R.

[The General]

T.R. I think you do a good job with your articles.  Maybe if I believed in all the scent eliminating hype I would be with you more.  I believe in setting up different stand locations and playing the wind.  If I wasn't lucky enough to have land were I can do this I wouldn't go out if the wind wasn't right for the location I was hunting.  But like I said before I don't like being lied to....but I guess being I never purchased this item was I relly lied to?   IMHO unless they make some air tight suit which covers every part of the body you will never be scent free.  People who Bow Hunt long enough should have enough common sence when they hear and add that's says something to the fact about "Forget the wind" red flags should be popping out everywhere. 

[T.R. Michels]

General,

Thanks, I try to get good information out there.

About bowhunters - you are right, they should know better. But, what about the newcomers, or the teenagers who are SO impressed with the big time trophy hunters and TV personalities, and their "testimonials". I think they are easily swayed by false or misleading advertising, and they sure have better things to spend their money on.

I know those good looking women hunters can sway teenage boys, but is it right???

God bless and good hunting,

T.R.
 

[labs4me]

I appreciate the updates!  I have never been a believer in their products or hype.  If they have the data to support their claims, then they have nothing to worry about!!!  If they don't, I say hang 'em high. 

You are correct, I have many buddies who have purchased their products based on the regeneration factor.  One even goes so far to make sure there is a laundry mat near by when he is hunting out state so he can regenrate his clothes...

I bought Rocky's line of x-scent.  I know Silver has a definite effect on bacteria as it is used in many filter medias to kill bacteria.  What are your thoughts on this?  Looking for an edge?  I guess we all are.

I still stand by the fact that good hygene, keeping your clothes as scent free as possible and playing the wind will win out everytime.  The scent reducing clothes play a VERY minor role in your success.  My 1st 2 bucks were shot at less than 10 yards with no scent reducing clothing, but only old camo kept clean in a bag of oak leaves and cedar clippings, and attention to hygene.

Keep us informed...

Good Luck!

Ken