Cobra Electronics Corporation, often known simply as Cobra, is a designer and marketer of mobile communication and navigation products. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company was founded in 1961 as Dynascan Inc. and rebranded to Cobra Electronics Corporation in 1993. Cobra is a private company and an operating subsidiary of Cedar Electronics, which is owned by the private equity firm Monomoy Capital Partners. As of April 2026, PitchBook reports Cobra Electronics was acquired by Escort, indicating a further integration within Monomoy Capital Partners' portfolio. While specific current revenue for the private subsidiary is not publicly disclosed, employee estimates vary, with some sources suggesting a range of approximately 100-200 employees.
Cobra's product lines include a diverse range of consumer electronics designed for professional drivers, outdoor enthusiasts, and general consumers. Key offerings include Citizens Band (CB) radios, radar and laser detectors, smart dash cameras, marine radios, power inverters, and two-way radios (FRS, GMRS, LMR). The company also develops GPS navigation systems, some specialized for the trucking industry, and portable power solutions.
In terms of patent litigation, Cobra Electronics Corporation exhibits the posture of an operating company defending against patent assertion entities (PAEs). The company has been named as a defendant in one tracked case and has no recorded appearances as a plaintiff. This single case, VDPP, LLC v. Best Western International, Inc. et al., involves Cobra as a defendant across the District of Arizona, Northern District of Illinois, and Northern District of Texas.
The plaintiff in the tracked case, VDPP, LLC, is identified as a patent assertion entity in multiple external filings. VDPP, LLC has a history of asserting patents related to display technologies, image modification, and 3D filter spectacles against various companies. The inclusion of Cobra Electronics as a defendant in a suit initiated by such an entity aligns with a common litigation strategy targeting operating companies that develop and sell consumer electronic products.