Guitar Journal: Gibson vs Dean Guitars $1 Damages
$1 damages awarded in Gibson vs Dean Guitars legal battle
4,8 / 5,0 | 
This week, we look at the latest update on the long-running legal battle between Gibson and Dean Guitars as both parties issue statements. Then, we look at the new SlideSaddle by Aum Guitars, which is currently trying to raise money on IndieGoGo. Finally, we checked out the new Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700 Bass amp.
Guitar Journal
Gibson vs Dean Guitars
Gibson started legal proceedings against Dean Guitars back in 2019, and it is all about copyright infringement. Gibson is arguing for trademarks, including the Flying V, Explorer, ES, and SG, the Dove Wing headstock design, the Hummingbird name, and the Moderne trademark.
They won some rulings in 2022, but Dean Guitars was only fined $4,000.
$1 Damages
In the latest retrial, Gibson again won its trademark infringement case against Dean’s owner, claiming its guitar shapes (Flying V, Explorer, SG) are not generic.
You can read Gibson’s statement below.
“Today, the Federal court decided by jury, once again, to uphold Gibson–the iconic global instrument brand’s long-established and well-recognized trademarks of its innovative and iconic Flying V, Explorer, and SG guitar shapes, finding that these trademarks are valid, and not generic, and the defendants were guilty of both infringement and counterfeiting.“
“Gibson has secured another major legal victory in its ongoing commitment to protecting its iconic designs. In the retrial of Gibson v. Armadillo Enterprises (Dean Guitars), a Texas federal jury has once again upheld Gibson’s exclusive rights to its legendary guitar shapes and trademarks, in recognition of the harm caused by Dean’s infringement.“
“The jury’s decision reinforces the validity and strength of Gibson’s intellectual property rights, confirming that its guitar shapes, including the Flying V, Explorer, and SG, remain protected trademarks.”
“Gibson is turning its focus to the future, continuing to invest in innovation, craftsmanship, and the next generation of groundbreaking guitars.” – Gibson.
Generic
Despite this, Dean’s owner highlighted the jury’s finding that their Evolution headstock and the ES-335 body shape were deemed non-infringing/generic. Both parties received a symbolic $1 in damages.
Dean’s owner expressed disappointment in the lawsuit’s cost, while Gibson focused on protecting its intellectual property.
You can read Dean Guitars’ statement below.
“Today’s decision in our trial with Gibson is a complex jury verdict. We are reviewing all of our options. We are pleased that the jury found that our Evolution headstock does not infringe on the Gibson Dovewing headstock and that the ES 335 body shape is generic. With the award of just one dollar in damages it is clear that lawsuits like this in the guitar industry are just not worth the time and expense- and we hope that in moving forward parties will be able to work out their differences in more efficient manner.” – Dean Guitars.
A losing battle?
This tit-for-tat legal battle is being fought because a company has to be seen to protect its trademarks, or it could lose them, so Gibson has to fight in court. However, with many guitar shapes now considered generic, this could continue with no clear winner.
Dean Guitars has been making these models on and off for many years. Therefore, I doubt they will give up the fight.
I am no legal expert, but this system of protecting trademarks is different for every territory, so it would put Gibson in the position of fighting for trademarks regularly worldwide. It seems like the only winner would be the legal professionals who bill by the hour.
Aum Guitars SlideSaddle
Aum Guitars has unveiled its latest innovation, the SlideSaddle, a device designed to bring infinite sustain to electric and pickup-equipped acoustic guitars.
Currently funding on IndieGoGo, the SlideSaddle is being touted as the slide equivalent of an EBow, offering guitarists a new dimension of exploration and experimentation.
Vibraslide
Developed by Gareth Whittock, the mastermind behind the 2021 Vibraslide, the SlideSaddle addresses the limitations of its predecessor.
Unlike the Vibraslide, which featured internal electronics and restricted traditional slide techniques, the SlideSaddle boasts external electronics, enabling seamless use with any magnetic or piezo pickup-equipped guitar.
Foot Control
A foot pedal to control harmonics and dynamics, integrating effortlessly into pedalboards via a built-in effects loop. This allows creative sound manipulation with wah pedals and various pickup positions, creating unique harmonic effects.
Notably, the SlideSaddle requires no guitar modifications for immediate use.
Whittock, who tested the device on various guitar models, emphasizes its organic interaction and the distinct tonal variations it produces. “I love the organic interaction of this pedal and each guitar’s natural tone,” he says.
IndieGoGo
Aum Guitars aims to raise €1,500 through its IndieGoGo campaign to fund mold production. Whittock is determined to bring SlideSaddle to market regardless of the campaign’s success and seeks to up its quality.
The SlideSaddle’s intuitive design and potential for sonic innovation have generated significant interest, and the campaign has already exceeded 80% of its funding goal.
Perks range from €10/$11 to €199/$215, offering various levels of support and product access.
You may want to back this one if you want your guitar to have a Gilmour-like infinite sustain tone.
Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700 Bass
A new 700-watt bass amplifier, the PowerStage 700 Bass, has launched. It promises exceptional clarity and performance in a lightweight, durable package.
Designed by Seymour Duncan’s Kevin Beller, a lifelong bassist, it caters to both stage and studio demands.
Seymour Duncan Powerstage 700 Bass at Thomann
Flexible Bass Tone
The amp features a preamp voiced for diverse tones, from vintage to modern, and a built-in, foot-switchable overdrive for versatile tone options.
A robust, bass-optimised EQ (treble, low/high mid, bass, presence) allows precise tone shaping, while a -10dB pad accommodates active and passive basses. Multiple outputs (¼”, Speakon, XLR DI, and headphones) ensure flexible connectivity.
Beyond its sound, the PowerStage 700 Bass offers practical features: an effects loop for post-preamp processing, an aux input, and a lightweight, durable chassis for easy transport.
This might also interest you
