More Gibson Copyright Stuff

[Darryl Wolfe]

Nashville News Paper (http://www.tennessean.com/local/archives/04/05/52442162.shtml?Element_ID=52442162)

[Michael Lewis]

Well, I didn't see anything about mandolins mantioned. We all know that we can't use the flower pot inlay design. How long a time is required to loose rights to a design if it is not defended? I'm thinking about the F5 in general. I know it's a Gibson design, but it hasn't been defended at all as far as I know, and that covers more than 80 years in the public domain. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[jlb]

I'm starting to see a trend in the Gibson legal department regarding their designs.

I'm not saying it will extend to the F-5 design, but it's hard not to see the potential.

[Big Joe]

Hey Jim...not quite the truth. However, they will defend what they deem to be their property. This discussion was held here in great detail a couple of months ago when this information was first released. However, the one thing we did not mention that the article mentioned above tells is that PRS KNEW they were infringing on our properties and did so intentionally. That is quite different from someone not having a clue. Our hope in the bluegrass community is to prevent this kind of action. If the builders will realize the potential problems by copying Gibson and continuing to do so, they do place themselves in dire risk of action. Most have readily agreed and been very kind. Mosts have appreciated Charlie warning them early and have been very respectful to him.

I hope this post does not lead to another long heated discussion about big business vs the little guy. That has never been true and is not now. We love everyone http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif and want all to be able to have the success they desire.

[docmarc2771]

3 cheers for Gibson...

[jlb]

I certainly appreciate Gibson's stance on their property.

Heck, to be honest, for the most part, I think mandolin design is way too stagnant. You have Rigel and Breedlove, and some of Webers stuff taking different approaches, but most builders, to include most all of the highest-tier private builders, basically cloning Loars. Look at all the variance in models in guitars. There is plenty of room for creativity in instrument design...surely, as Rigel and Breedlove have already shown, their is room for building great, distinctive mandolins that aren't just copies of what are, in fact, Gibson designs.

[mandough]

I think that Gibson SHOULD defend their F-5 design against other makers. I'm relatively new to the mandolin but have come to realise that EVERYONE makes the Gibson as a copy. I know why, because Bill Monroe blah, blah, blah,......
I would love to see mandolin players have their signature styles like Rock guitarists.
Roger McGuinn's Rickenbacker, Stevie Ray Vaugn's Strat, Jimmy Page's Les Paul, Bruce Springsteen's Telecaster, Brian Setzer's Gretsch, BB King's "Lucille" and the list goes on.
I'm not knocking Gibson, I commend them for making many legendary instruments. Maybe Gibson (or others) should try to get a modern design into the hands of a Chris Thile and change the look and perception of the mandolin altogether.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Big Joe]

Hey Mandough...I take offense with your statement. I am a weeble and I do fall down! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif .