Kiwi

OK so the legal opinion is... ...this is still a grey area. Case law is still inconsistent in terms of defining a clear standard, although there appears to be a move more recently in favour of trademark holders being given the benefit of the doubt in their claims. So the action we took in complying with John Hall's request was sensible and in the best interests of the forum given the legal uncertainty. We've also been advised to be vigilant in ensuring that other trademark infringements don't take place in the future, so we will be acting promptly in the event of any future complaints. Apologies to members but I hope its understood the forum needs to be safeguarded. I've updated the initial post accordingly.

Sorry chaps, I'm going to have to lock this thread and let things cool off for a couple of days. Someone has registered a fake account in the name of John Hall and its taking things too far. He's representing his companies interests, there is no need to make things personal.

[quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1334134009' post='1611226'] Pull the sale thread out or respect or courtesy; but don't pull it simply because John Hall is telling you to do so [i]or else[/i]. It's laughable. [/quote] John Hall states: [i]"I'm under no obligation to provide further clarification, other than to note that you are hosting ads for goods which infringe our registered trademarks, copies of which were provided. Sale of such items is simply not legal and as such, you are acting as the facilitator."[/i]

[quote name='Musky' timestamp='1334127043' post='1611118'] Edit: Just seen that the first attachment confirms their trademark - you need to change the extension to .pdf to open it. [/quote] Yes, unfortunately it seems to be a quirk of the forum software. Sorry about that.

We have received emails from John Hall, CEO of Rickenbacker, alleging trademark infringement in relation to a classified advert for a Tokai Rockingbetter. We've made the thread invisible while we seek a legal opinion but wanted to make members aware that there were issues with these instruments. We have also asked John Hall for clarification on specifics but he has not yet supplied any information. Documents forwarded by John Hall asserting Rickenbackers claim to trademark rights are included as attachments below. [attachment=104740:Trademark-EC Bass Head.pdf] [attachment=104741:Trademark-UK trc.pdf] [attachment=135199:Trademark-EC Bass Body.pdf] Please, no photography of any instruments resembling Rickenbacker products should be linked from or uploaded to the forum. No references should be made in listings for those instruments as a "Rickenbacker copy", "Ricky clone", or any other statements that attempt to sell the instrument based on its similarities, qualities or likenesses to genuine Rickenbacker instruments. The mods have been asked to be extra vigilant and remove any listings that place the forum at risk. Update from Hamster: I have been sent a further update from John Hall who has just informed me (Basschat) that he has registered the design of the bass body. So where we have previously allowed photographs of Rickenbacker products where the headstock was not showing, we are now in a position where I must ask that NO photographs are attached to any Rickenbacker copy for sale or trade.

This thread was worth looking in on, for the title alone. Barefaced Big One? Ooooh matron...have a bump.

I have the older version, the 5013 - forget other manufacturers claiming their equalisers are swiss army knives of tone...this is the real deal. Mine's a keeper.