ImageSails

An Imagesails Opinion Piece

Justice is on the horizon!

In what we feel is their latest bid to oppress independent expression, Precision Sails has included their angst regarding our exercising our First Amendment right to free speech as a large part of their response to our patent infringement lawsuit. This in no way surprises us, as it is keeping with their disposition throughout. If it were otherwise, we wouldn't be where we are.

We will not back down, nor be intimidated by gross legal expenditure–it does not negate the facts. Truth is an absolute defense against libel, and the First Amendment of the Constitution protects free speech. It is time for Precision Sails to respect the rights we are gratefully afforded in America, rather than trying to suppress and manipulate them. We feel they have approached this matter duplicitously; our educating the public regarding this is well within our rights. If they did not want their conduct brought to public attention, they should have behaved respectfully. Legal manipulation and intimidation will not quell our right to free and true expression.

Much to our disgust, Precision Sails has additionally made false and libelous statements about our sincere efforts to help a Indigenous Mayan community in Guatemala that our Founder has a deep bond with. This is where we draw the line, as this town has recently suffered a series of devastating earthquakes which have destroyed centuries-old buildings, cut off their only road, and all but eliminated their food and water supplies. When Daniel Gohstand, ImageSails' Founder, invented a breakthrough approach to artistic sail design, his goal was to use it not just for profit, but to introduce a novel creative concept via a new canvas, and to lift up this community by funding medical and artistic projects, thereby changing lives.

We feel strongly that Precision Sails has greatly impacted our ability to carry out this objective. We assert they have infringed on our patents, and have sent this work overseas, rather than allowing us to conduct business successfully here in the United States. As a portion of proceeds were designated to help this community, they have absolutely impacted this project and our ability to help.

We recently launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the legal costs of defending our patents, stating clearly, "...we have filed lawsuits against both companies, with more to come. We're raising funds to help with some of the associated costs." Precision Sails has shamefully tried to mislead and confuse the public regarding this posting. Do not be fooled by their lies and subterfuge!

Nowhere does it state the GoFundMe donations will go to the community. Rather, we make it clear then and now that this is a chain of events, and that once we're able to defend our company's uniqueness and IP, our business' successes will then be able to support our project as we originally intended, with part of our company's profits supporting this critical cause. Their conduct has absolutely affected our ability to do so.

Precision Sails has now crossed a personal line regarding our altruistic devotion–we feel it's shameful and revolting. We believe strongly they have not only impacted our project and therefore this community in need, but that they are now attempting to cast a false light on the matter. It will not be tolerated. May every individual and business evaluate their conduct.