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Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2003 1:00 pm
by jeff_ulmer
John, are you guys interested in bogus guitars being sold on the forums you linked to? Is there anything you can do about them? Right off the bat is a guy at Beatgear (with a Ric logo on his post...) claiming his 330 copy has all Ric parts on it, including the name plate.
IP issues aside, it's one thing to have the body styling ripped off (poorly in most cases) with an obvious fake, but another to try and authenticate it with legit nameplates and other parts. Who's trying to fool who?
Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2003 2:14 pm
by johnhall
IP issues aside? Our body shapes are registered trademarks, along with the head and a number of of details including the nameplate shape. Even the Toaster Top configuration was awarded registration just last month.
Adding genuine parts including a nameplate turns an infringing item into a counterfeit item, an even more troubling event.
The cache server in our legal department copies a variety of sites several times a day which are attracting infringors and we are constantly adjusting our game plan to deal with individuals like this. All will be dealt with in some way at some time.
Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2003 3:13 pm
by ricnvolved
"String the b*st*rds up; it'll teach 'em a lesson!"
Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2003 3:17 pm
by jeff_ulmer
I didn't intend to belittle the issue of infringing on the body shapes, just saying that an obvious fake is one thing, but trying to pass it off as the real deal (a counterfeit) is another.
Also, is there anything you can do about these forums using your logo to sell fakes?
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2003 8:12 am
by johnhall
I am pleased to say that the proprietors of both boards mentioned above have been most cooperative and risen to the challenge of moderating posts which might offer infringing goods. I acknowledge their integrity and the spirit in which they have chosen to "beautify" their sites.
Each of these sites, as well as Peter's here, offers a slightly different perspective and range of interests. I'll continue to support all of these sites and hope you will as well. I'm sure Peter won't mind this little plug as I don't think there's any competitive element involved:
Voxtalks
Beat Gear Cavern
A newer site worth mentioning which has also made a statement supporting ethical posting is:
The Beatcellar
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2003 6:18 pm
by jeff_ulmer
I just noticed that Music Connection has a lot of non-Ric plastic items available, including replacement pickguards and non-logoed truss rod covers. I thought Ric wasn't allowing replication of this type of stuff. Has Rickenbacker started licensing the shapes for these items now?
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 9:58 am
by banta
It's back, still using the name Rickenbacker, and still bearing the Ric TR cover....
fake Ric on ebay
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 11:41 am
by rickcrazy
The nerve of that seller is amazing. He concedes he's got a 4001 copy, yet he won't remove the genuine Rick nameplate therefrom. I think he is tempting fate.
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 12:57 pm
by johnhall
The nameplates are now gone from the Music Connection site and the manufacturer will be contacted. In this case I think it was simply a legitimate case of not knowing what is permitted.
In the case of our appropriately named eBayer, Dickspawn, this is being dealt with. As a repeat offender who was also advised of his misrepresentation more than once, it will not go well for him.
As I mentioned before, it would somewhat more helpful if people would please NOT contact him directly but let us handle it.
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 12:59 pm
by jeff_ulmer
He isn't the only one. Check out some of the listings (assuming they are still there) in the forums John linked to. There are people bragging about how they have "upgraded" their pos copies with authentic parts and truss rod covers, claiming them indistinguishable from the genuine article.
At least the seller's ebay handle is indicative of who he is...
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 1:07 pm
by jeff_ulmer
So are the pickguards okay (same question for all the ones on ebay)? It would be nice to have a legit source of black pickguards since it sounds like Ric doesn't have any more of them.
The same goes for the rest of the hardware. I hope it will still be available aftermarket for at least a while.
I do wish Ric had a less expensive option for exchanging brand new name plates. I can see charging $45 for a returned busted cover, but it is a bit steep when handing over a mint item fresh from the factory.
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2003 1:50 pm
by bassment_zombie
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2003 3:10 am
by rickcrazy
Someone hand me a flame-thrower, quick!
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2003 3:18 am
by admin
Ouch!
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2003 4:41 am
by jwr2
you know that sort of looks like a real 4000 model that somebody modified ... bad pickguard and bad pickups ... but there are certain subtilties in the body shape that copies usually don't get right .... is the bolt on a reinforcement for a weakened set neck?