Martin Trademarks Headstock

[mjmeehan]

I read in the paper today that Martin Guitars has trademarked their headstock design. I can understand their frustration with the copycat market, but can't help but wonder what, if any, long term repercussions there may be. Most neck blanks that can be bought begin with this shape.
And where does it end? Body shape? Soundports? Bracing patterns?, etc.
Just some of my initial thoughts. Here's the article...

In its latest effort to protect its brand, Upper Nazareth Township guitarmaker C.F. Martin & Co. has announced the trademark of the headstock configuration it has been using on its guitars for more than 160 years.

A guitar's headstock is the part at the top of the neck that holds the strings.

"The clean, simple, iconic shape of the Martin guitar headstock has long been recognized by consumers as one of the primary identifying brand and design elements of our guitars," Vice President of Corporate Operations Gregory Paul said in a news release. "Use of this shape by others can only be intended to create confusion in the marketplace."


The guitar company said it is trying to protect its design and manufacturing innovations with the U.S. trademark.

[kencierp]

My guess is that it will be determined that the shape will be deemed utilitarian since it is a derivative of the required string angle clearances --- plus it has been open source for 160 years. I for one have never called it a Martin headstock but rather a paddle headstock. Too little – too late. We’ll see?

[tippie53]

this was done to help with imported copies coming in from China. It helps to tangle things up for that in the court

[David L]

Can a "left turn" be patented?

David L

[deadedith]

I know there is patented leather. :-)

[David L]

Hey Dave, you sure seem to know a lot about leather!!!

David L