The 7 Reasons Why Gibson is Suing Dean Guitars

I woke up this morning to the news of Gibson taking Dean’s Parent Company, Armadillo Distribution Enterprises to court for 7 different reasons under Trademark Infringement, Trademark Counterfeiting, Trademark Dilution and Unfair Competition practices. The 7 things distinctly listed in the suit are the Flying V, Explorer, SG and ES body styles as well as the Dove Wing (Open Book) headstock shape and the Hummingbird Name as well as the Moderne Trademark. Gibson is seeking 2 million dollars per infringement making for a total of $14 million at stake. Gibson is suing based on the principle of the matter and to make an example out of Dean to other manufactures that copy Gibson’s designs.

Dean’s Flying V (V Series) and Explorer (Z Series) shapes have been out since the late 70s so I don’t think Gibson will gain much ground here. However, it might stand a chance againsts the SG (Gran Sport) Luna Hummingbird and Luna Athena (ES) styled guitars since they are relatively new guitar designs from the company.

The headstock shape is 90% similar, but I don’t think it will be enough to win out in the courts. I’m honestly not entirely too sure what the Moderne kurfuffle is about – is it against the ML shape or the Headstock being similar to the Modern Reissues?

Not everyone is happy with Gibson suing Dean, but they say no publicity is bad publicity!



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[Trog]

Just as the hype of the new 2019 line up was starting to die down - Gibson decided to get back in the headlines by suing Dean over these 7 trademarks. What do you think about this situation?

[quintonworden]

Imagine Fender suing every company that has a strat shaped instrument.

[gavinreid]

In answer to your question. I think Gibson are too late. The shapes they try to protect are now too common and generic.
The horse has bolted. Too late to shut the stable door.

[MojoWitwicky]

_Dean making Explorer shaped and V shaped guitars since the late 70's_

Gibson in 2019: *_Wait, thats illegal_*

[megameth]

If you think the ml and the moderne are similar your absolutely insane

[rejectedautobiography]

Gibson suing over a headstock design that was created by someone else, hundreds of years before Gibson even started producing guitars...

[sirpazuzu]

those 2 headstocks are different enough.... NO ONE is going to mistake a Dean guitar for a Gibson from looking at the headstock. COME ON.

[drewgibbs]

“90% of the headstock is similar, it’s just that 10% open book part that’s different”, I think that the 90% you’re referring to is called “any headstock on any guitar” 😂🤣

[daniellowry]

Protecting their legacy of poor quality control, archaic design, and terrible pr for the past 20 plus years.

[jimthecraftyguitarist]

Trademarks are designed to protect consumers. How many guitarists really purchase a Dean thinking it was a Please. Who invented the rectangular door? Then should send cease and decist letters to their competition too...

[cortarelva]

Gibson should focus on improving the quality of its instruments instead of BS court cases.
They cant even compare to a quality Dean guitar. What next? Sue ESP?

[JustVibinDoub]

Gibson: Be original

**Gibson Jimi Hendrix guitar COUGH COUGH**

[lespauldisciple]

Hey Gibson!
You should concentrate on making guitars people want and can afford.
#TELECASTER

[theothertonydutch]

Gibson, you're drunk. Go home. Make a new guitar.

[spencertoycen]

Mandolins from centuries ago had the open book headstock, so they better have checkbooks ready.

[dividing]

The biggest power move would be if Fender sued Gibson because they made a famous single-cut two-pickup guitar first

[vigilantebird]

Nobody:
Literally not a soul:
Gibson: You've yee'd your last haw

[johnaustin]

gibson stole the open book head stock design, the design pre-dates gibson by at least 50 yrs.

[johngiannopoulos]

For the last 20 years I think Most a Gibson is overpriced and shitty enough to not bother.

[andreaswagner]

Matter of fact: Everybody is inspired by somebody else.
Knowledge duplicates when you share it.
It dies when you lock it away and keep it to yourself.