More bullying behaviour from Specialized.

[Hi Ho Silver]

I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but it seems to me that the root of the problem is "trademark law" - if a name is trademarked and the trademark owner doesn't pursue others using the name (or nearly the same name), don't they then lose the protective rights of the trademark? A lot of the patent and trademark law seems like it rewards firms that hound others who might, even remotely, be infringing on their property, and punishes those who do not protect their intellectual property with a vengeance. I think it reached absurd new heights when Apple, who "patented" rounded corners on their iPad, went after other tablet makers for rounding the corners of their tablets.

[ny biker]

I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but it seems to me that the root of the problem is "trademark law" - if a name is trademarked and the trademark owner doesn't pursue others using the name (or nearly the same name), don't they then lose the protective rights of the trademark? A lot of the patent and trademark law seems like it rewards firms that hound others who might, even remotely, be infringing on their property, and punishes those who do not protect their intellectual property with a vengeance. I think it reached absurd new heights when Apple, who "patented" rounded corners on their iPad, went after other tablet makers for rounding the corners of their tablets.

I'm also far from an expert on legal matters, but it seems that a licensing agreement is another way of addressing the problem of protecting the trademark, especially when the other user is not really a threat to the trademark holder's business.

[Irulan]

I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but it seems to me that the root of the problem is "trademark law" - if a name is trademarked and the trademark owner doesn't pursue others using the name (or nearly the same name), don't they then lose the protective rights of the trademark?

Yes - at least as I understand it. I've looked into copyright/trademark stuff for my business.
He who has the most money to throw at lawyers wins. Starbucks, McDonalds....stomping on the little guy.
ASI did what seems to be the right thing and I applaud them.

[Sylvia]

Looks like Mike Sinyard from Specialized came to the shop and officially apologized.
For those of you on facebook, here is the link.

[smilingcat]

At this point in time for me, riding around in Specialized S-work bike is a big social faux paux. Maybe I can have the paint job blasted off with walnut shell (they don't use sand anymore) and have it powder coated with something else. I did like the metallic red look but hmmm...

Why advertise for a thug. I think a bucket of popcorn and some cider is about right. Watch the train-wreck. why not??

Just ordered a Cafe Roubaix T-shirt from him to support the little guy.

[Owlie]

At this point in time for me, riding around in Specialized S-work bike is a big social faux paux. Maybe I can have the paint job blasted off with walnut shell (they don't use sand anymore) and have it powder coated with something else. I did like the metallic red look but hmmm...

Why advertise for a thug. I think a bucket of popcorn and some cider is about right. Watch the train-wreck. why not??

Just ordered a Cafe Roubaix T-shirt from him to support the little guy.

Tape?

[smilingcat]

here's the link

http://www.caferoubaix.ca/on-line-store.php

no tape.

[Irulan]

T shirt? I missed that. Link?

[Irulan]

Are you US? If so, how much to ship down here?

Btw, I liked them on FB. 11k + likes, I'm sure many of them new.

[Irulan]

Update
ASI parent company of specialized, says specialized overstepped its bounds and of course the store can use the name. And more...
http://www.bicycleretailer.com/north...e#.UqaXU6G9KSN

[ny biker]

Update
ASI parent company of specialized, says specialized overstepped its bounds and of course the store can use the name. And more...
http://www.bicycleretailer.com/north...e#.UqaXU6G9KSN

So the small-business owner turns out okay (and gets piles of publicity) and Specialized still looks bad. Nice.

(I didn't think ASI was the owner of Specialized, just another company that licensed a trademarked name to them. But I'm no expert on bicycle conglomerates.)

[Owlie]

So the small-business owner turns out okay (and gets piles of publicity) and Specialized still looks bad. Nice.

(I didn't think ASI was the owner of Specialized, just another company that licensed a trademarked name to them. But I'm no expert on bicycle conglomerates.)

They're not. They own the trademark in the US--the Fuji Roubaix is their equivalent of Cannondale's CAAD series, and they got there first

(Former Fuji dealer employee.)

[Wahine]

Just read this new development. Love it.

Here's a bike ad posted by a friend of mine this morning on FB. Quite clever.

FREE Epic Stumptown Roubaix Volagi !
Classic and typical Specialized. Fits all arrogant riders between 5'7" to 5'10", with no social conscience or ethics to live by. Special edition cromo touring steel handles comfortably with dismissive behavior. Haven't heard of custom touring steel? It's probably patented. No moral compass required, this bike will take you wherever you want to show your support for bullies. Factory original paint, probably contains lead. Although I wouldn't remove the paint, this could be theft of intellectual property and a breach of contract. It displays very aggressive handling, the best position to ride is on the defensive. You must take action otherwise you may risk losing it. Original headset may need some policing too, most often it will cease and desist. Just to be clear, this is the best bike in the world. A simple trademark search will prevent any confusion of this.
All shipping fees will be paid forward to support: Revelate Designs (Epic Bags), Sugar Wheel Works (Epic Wheel Works), Volagi, Kinesis( Mountain Cycle /Stumptown) and Cafe Roubaix.

It was posted with a photo of an old Specialized frame that he uses for commuting.

[Irulan]

omg that's the best. Can you link it in twitter? <veg>

[Irulan]

You are correct.