Oakley, Inc.

Oakleyheadquarters

Oakley, Inc., founded in 1975 by James Jannard, is an American company specializing in the design and manufacturing of sport equipment, including sunglasses, sports visors, ski/snowboard goggles, watches, apparel, backpacks, shoes, optical frames, and other accessories. Oakley is known for its innovative lens technologies, such as High Definition Optics (HDO), which it claims provides superior optical clarity and performance. The company's products are often associated with cutting-edge design and technology, catering to a wide range of sports and lifestyle applications.

History

Oakley was started in Jim Jannard's garage in 1975 with an initial investment of $300. The name "Oakley" came from Jim's English Setter, "Oakley Anne." Jannard began by selling what he called 'The Oakley Grip' out of the back of his car at motocross events. His motorcycle grips were unlike any other grips available at the time, using a patented material known as 'Unobtainium®', whose grip increases as it becomes moist or sweaty.

In 1980, Oakley ventured into eyewear, producing motorcycle goggles called "O-Frame®." With the invention of a new goggle technology, which encased the lens material inside the frame, Oakley's popularity in the sports world began to grow. The company expanded its product line to encompass sunglasses for the sports market in the mid-1980s, with the introduction of the Eyeshades® model. This was followed by the release of more sunglass models, including the iconic Frogskins®, and the expansion into goggles for skiing and snowboarding.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Oakley continued to grow, developing new products and technologies. It was acquired by Italian eyewear giant Luxottica Group in 2007 for approximately $2.1 billion, a move that significantly expanded its global distribution capabilities.

Products and Technologies

Oakley's product range includes sunglasses, prescription glasses, goggles, apparel, and accessories designed for various sports and lifestyle activities. The company has been a pioneer in the eyewear industry, developing innovative products such as:

- High Definition Optics (HDO): A collection of patented technologies that allow Oakley eyewear to meet or exceed the testing standards of the American National Standards Institute for optical clarity, visual fidelity, and impact resistance. - Plutonite® Lenses: Oakley's high purity optical-grade polycarbonate used in the majority of its sunglasses, which blocks 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light up to 400nm. - Prizm™ Lenses: A lens technology designed to enhance color and contrast so you can see more detail.

Sponsorships and Partnerships

Oakley has a long history of sponsoring athletes, sports teams, and events around the globe. The company supports athletes in a wide range of disciplines, including surfing, skiing, snowboarding, golf, cycling, and motocross. Oakley's commitment to sports and athletes goes beyond sponsorships, as the company works closely with its endorsers to develop new products and technologies that meet their specific needs and performance requirements.

Controversies

Like many companies, Oakley has faced its share of controversies, including legal battles over patent infringements and disputes over the authenticity of its products. However, the company has maintained its commitment to innovation and quality, continuing to push the boundaries of performance eyewear.

See Also

• Luxottica Group
• Sunglasses
• Sport equipment
• High Definition Optics