I read another thread on the Ric Forum related to trademarks and it got me wondering about the modeling guitars I've seen lately that use the words "Rickenbacker", Les Paul....etc. as selection options.
I'm aware that trademarks don't cover functionality (although it could be debated whether or not tone is mere function) however, use of the word "Rickenbacker" written on a competitor's guitar must be a trademark violation unless prior permission is granted. I'm not a lawyer, just curious.
Trademark question
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roadrunners
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i beleive that it very highly depends on wether or not it is authorized....somehow i dont think Rick would have authorized use of there name in a competitors guitar....but they did let Chandler guitars use a body design so its hard to say...Ive had the same question about modeling amps...such as the Vox Ad30 which has a few amp models that are clearly attempts to clone fender or marshall
"This is my personal quote"
It's not even a matter of functionality. If you're careful to word it properly, it's possible to use a company's brand name to describe something so long as it is completely clear that their name is trademarked and that your product is not theirs and not authorized by them.
If it's clear that the brand names are being used to describe a tone and that these products have no connection to the brands, then it might be acceptable.
Think about aftermarket pickup makers. They use guitarmakers' name brands to inform customers that their pickups fit certain name brand guitars, and they may say it sounds like the vintage tone of that brand. But they also have to make it clear that they are not connected with the brand and their products are not the genuine brand products.
I doubt that. Chandler's design was certainly Ric-inspired but no clone. They probably determined that Chandler wasn't infringing.
If it's clear that the brand names are being used to describe a tone and that these products have no connection to the brands, then it might be acceptable.
Think about aftermarket pickup makers. They use guitarmakers' name brands to inform customers that their pickups fit certain name brand guitars, and they may say it sounds like the vintage tone of that brand. But they also have to make it clear that they are not connected with the brand and their products are not the genuine brand products.
but they did let Chandler guitars use a body design so its hard to say...
I doubt that. Chandler's design was certainly Ric-inspired but no clone. They probably determined that Chandler wasn't infringing.