Imposter

[NFB-418]

I was at a local music shop over the weekend and, as I walked into the bass guitar/amp room, I glanced to see what I thought was a 4003 FG hanging on the wall. Upon closer inspection, I was disappointed to see that the bass was not a Ric, but one made by another manufacturer. Although, it obviously wasn't a 4003, it still shared some resemblance, including paint job, body shape, binding.

I wonder how this manufacturer has escaped Ric Legal. I mean, the entire point of trademarks/tradenames/copyrights, etc. is to protect your intellectual property, but also to make certain that consumers are not confusing your product with another's. From afar, I thought, 4003 FG, woo-hoo! As I got closer, I heard The Price is Right loser horn in my head.

By the way, I didn't mention the manufacturer or the bass guitar model because I think I read it's against forum rules. Right?

[kennyhowes]

I wonder how this manufacturer has escaped Ric Legal.

Is it being advertised on the internet?

[scotty]

Found one near me yuck! A 403 ! must have missed the " 0 " as in Oh it looks duff.
http://www.ccmusicshop.com/productphoto ... _Black.jpg?
http://www.ccmusicshop.com/anniversary- ... 81956.html?

[rickenbrother]

Anniversary 403?

[scotty]

Anniversary 403?

Its right up your street Joey! You love it dont ya!

[NFB-418]

I should clarify: the bass was not an exact copy. I just assume that certain similarities or resemblances (is that a word?) would constitute RIC trademark infringement.

[cassius987]

I think it's a lot easier for infringement to escape punishment outside of the U.S., where RIC's trademarks have the most power. That said they are still enforceable outside U.S. borders.

[doctorwho]

There's a "lawsuit copy Rickenbacker" on eBay right now ...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-Law-su ... 45f39a6057

[ken_j]

There's a "lawsuit copy Rickenbacker" on eBay right now ...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rickenbacker-Law-su ... 45f39a6057

Not anymore.

[jingle_jangle]

Kakapoopoo.

[rickenbrother]

Kakapoopoo.

Yeah, exactly!

Anniversary 403?

Its right up your street Joey! You love it dont ya!

Maybe in the parallel universe...nah, not even there!

[jdogric12]

OP: you mean the fireglo Schecter? Been discussed here a bunch. Most here don't like. I think it's kinda neat. Wouldn't buy one though.

[scotty]

Kakapoopoo.

Weren't they a band in the 80s? yeah come to think of it they were kajagoogoo Mmmmmmnnnnnn same difference to Kakapoopoo ..

[harley]

OP: you mean the fireglo Schecter? Been discussed here a bunch. Most here don't like. I think it's kinda neat. Wouldn't buy one though.

It doesn't look exactly like a 4003 but it IS similar enough that I was surprised. The thing is, it's at a price point where you're roughly halfway to a Ric, anyway. I'd either keep saving or I'd buy something else that was a better value for the money.

My son once told me, on a different subject, "if you'd stop buying what you can afford, you could eventually buy what you want." Smart kid - takes after his Mother.