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Post by antigua on Mar 7, 2017 17:20:59 GMT -5
In 1981, DiMarzio trademarked the appearance of uncovered PAF style humbuckers featuring two cream colored bobbins. For many years, Gibson PAF pickups featured a random assorted of cream or black bobbins beneath the nickel silver covers, and many of these featured two cream bobbins. Many guitar players removed their humbucker covers, so having two cream colored bobbins was not an exclusive aesthetic at the time of the trademark filing. Nevertheless, the US Patent and Trademark Office granted this trademark to DiMarzio, to the effect that if you want to buy an uncovered PAF style humbucker with two cream bobbins in the United States, you must buy that pickup from DiMarzio. The details of this trademark can be viewed here tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=73150505&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearchThere is a petition to cancel the trademark underway, on the grounds that the double cream appearance is aesthetically functional and limits consumer choice. However, the USPTO has stated most recently that they require evidence that other guitar owners, aside from the petitioner himself, also hold the view that the double cream trademark causes them damage as a consumer of after market guitar pickups. If you share in the view that the double cream trademark causes you damage as a consumer, we would greatly appreciate your help in establishing that many guitarists are harmed by this trademark. What we would require is that you download this form www.echoesofmars.com/Declaration_DiMarzio_Pickups_2017March7_03277903-2.doc , print the document out, and then follow these steps: 1. Complete Paragraph 1 with name, city/state of residence, and approximate year you began buying guitars and accessories. 2. Complete Paragraph 6 with an accurate, personal statement about the impact of this trademark registration on you. Do you believe you are harmed because you’re unable to buy cream-colored pickups from other manufacturers whose cost, quality, or brand you prefer? This does not need to be lengthy or over-the-top; just a true statement of your belief about the impact of this registration on you. 3. Read the full declaration and confirm it is accurate, then enter the date, type or print your name and sign it. 4. Either scan the form, or take a legible photo of the form, and email the scanned or photographed document as an attachment to iwantdoublecream@gmail.com We need these signed documents by Monday, March 13th. Thank you for your help, Andrew Flanders
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