NORTH SAILS GROUP, LLC is an international sailmaker and sailing wear company founded in 1957 by Lowell North. The company is a privately held subsidiary of North Technology Group, which was acquired by Oakley Capital, a private equity firm, in 2014. North Sails is headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, United States, and also maintains a corporate office in Hamburg, Germany. The company has a significant global presence, with manufacturing facilities in the United States and Sri Lanka, and over 150 sales and service lofts across 63 countries. North Sails employs over 1,000 individuals globally. In 2013, North Sails Group's revenues reached $157 million.
North Sails specializes in designing, engineering, and manufacturing sails for a wide range of watercraft, from small dinghies to superyachts. They are known for their innovative 3Di technology, a patented composite construction process that produces high-performance, non-panelled sails. The company also offers technical sailing apparel and a lifestyle clothing collection. North Sails is part of the broader North Technology Group, which includes other marine brands like Southern Spars, Future Fibres, Quantum Sails, and Doyle Sails.
North Sails Group, LLC has been involved in one tracked patent litigation case, appearing as a plaintiff. This posture suggests an active role in asserting its intellectual property. The case, NORTH SAILS GROUP, LLC et al. v. Team New Zealand Ltd, is being heard in the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.