Big News - Fender Loses Trademark Case

[Algiman]

I agree - too many manufacturers have ripped off Fenders designs, but the time to do something about it has long since passed. These days I think the headstock is the only real trademark design that they could hope to protect - same for other companies.

[UV-7-BK]

^ agreed.....headstocks would set them all apart. I can see lawyers rubbing there hands together already

[GuitarGuru]

Fender already has a huge part of the market. Do they really need more money, because that's what it's all about. They have license trademarks everywhere. It's funny that they just thought about it now. They created a design that became a USA standard, then to make more money, they went with cheaper labor. I don't feel sorry for them.

[DavyH]

Originally Posted by GuitarGuru

Fender already has a huge part of the market. Do they really need more money, because that's what it's all about. They have license trademarks everywhere. It's funny that they just thought about it now. They created a design that became a USA standard, then to make more money, they went with cheaper labor. I don't feel sorry for them.

I really don't get all the Fender hate - this company started producing electric solidbodies way over 50 years ago and still sells plenty of them. Strats, teles, P-bass and J-bass are absolutely iconic and there are very few players who go through their lives without owning (or wanting) at least one.

So Fender tries to cash in on the body shapes it invented? What's the big deal? Show me a single business organisation that operates purely from altruistic motives.

They blew it by doing it too late. Poor business planning at the start and they end up with some egg on their faces now

BUT

the outpouring of ridicule and scorn is unwarranted.

Then again, that's just my opinion, innit?

[UV-7-BK]

DavyH...i can honestly say ive never wanted a fender....doesnt mean i dont like them or anything like that.... they just wont serve my purpose so i have no need for them and they dont have the looks im after anyway so they wont get a sale from me. But thats just me mate!!
It is unwarranted all this ridicule because where would we be without them? Definately poor business planning has made them look a bit greedy and silly.... but at the end of the day, its still a business isnt it!!!
I have a soft spot for all guitar companies...we are all here to make music and spread the love so to speak..... we should be happy to have so many options to buy...let each to their own i say

[The Euphor]

The violin, brass instruments, piano... It's all classic shapes. Fender has become one of them. About time they stop being greedy.