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David and Goliath?

2462 Views 34 Replies 22 Participants Last post by  The Understater
Hi,

I just want to bring to light a recent development in the MB bike world. Specialized bike components is forcing Epic Designs Alaska to change it’s name to "avoid brand confusion and weaken their trademark rights over their epic line of bikes." Epic Designs Alaska is a one man operation that constructs light weight bags for back country mountain bike touring and racing. Now I know Specialized makes a quality product and was founded by a cool guy who just wanted to ride his bike. It just makes me wonder if the cooperate empty suits sent the same letter to the Hard Rock café to avoid confusion with their Hardrock model. Just seems easier to pick on a one man operation. I should mention that I do own an Epic designs bag but I’m not affiliated in any way with the company. Now I’m not too bright so maybe I’m not seeing the bigger picture. Maybe this is just an unfortunate necessity to save our world from the evils of communism. I just figured I would throw this out there for public knowledge and debate
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No way. The Hard Rock restaurant has deep pockets and can afford legal counsel. Wasn't Hard Rock Cafe first?
It's the Cannondale Freeride fiasco all over again.

Lame.
Doesn't Specialized make as much money off lawsuits as they do selling their "borrowed' frame designs?
f3rg said:
Doesn't Specialized make as much money off lawsuits as they do selling their "borrowed' frame designs?
I doubt that they would be asking for monetary damages in a case like this.
Just say no to Specialized .
I've never had any issues with Specialized before but this is terrible. Eric has done a lot to advance the sport, especially bikepacking. It is sad to see this happen.
There have been a number of companies in cycling who had the word "Epic" in their names.

Ned Overend is the only cool thing left Specialized.
only way I'd have a problem is if a graphic or marketing flogan was infringed upon. i didnt read the thread carefully or look into this but it seems Speccy must be pissed abt something other than the use of the word epic.

Keatan said:
I've never had any issues with Specialized before but this is terrible. Eric has done a lot to advance the sport, especially bikepacking. It is sad to see this happen.
Watch out guys, next time you describe your big ride as 'epic' Spec might be taking you to court.... eff Specialized.
what about the
Sette Flite
and
Selle Italia Flite
It is true. Eric's personal blog has a post on it http://epiceric.blogspot.com/ However, I'm still unsure how anyone could confuse Specialized with http://www.epicdesignsalaska.com/
A few years ago Specialized told the local LBS that either they switched over to selling nothing but Specialized bikes or Specialized would refuse to let them sell their bikes. The LBS kicked Specialized to the curb. Giant was a better deal. They now hace Giant, Kona and Scott.
My bike currently has a BG Milano saddle on it; it will be going back on another family member's bike come tax time, when I invest in another that I've been looking at for a couple months. It's not a BG, and never will be again.

Boycott the Big American S! Shun Specialized!
To think, I used to own several of their bikes, and used to sell a ton of them back in the early 90's.... if this is what they're all about now I don't think I'll ever buy another.... might go talk to the owner of the LBS in town and see about finding another brand to sell.... F off Specialzied, try making a product that people want rather than trying to sh!t on a guy who makes a great product

I know Eric's cool with everything and is making the best of the situation. Just goes to show what a stand up guy he is. I'm still pissed though, and I'm sure many of you are too. Feel free to drop Specialized a line and let them know you don't approve of their BS and let them know you're boycotting their lackluster products in favor of an innovative company rather than a corporate entity concerned on marketing hype and law suits.

http://specialized.custhelp.com/cgi...c8xQj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=153
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Kona0197 said:
A few years ago Specialized told the local LBS that either they switched over to selling nothing but Specialized bikes or Specialized would refuse to let them sell their bikes. The LBS kicked Specialized to the curb. Giant was a better deal. They now hace Giant, Kona and Scott.
That might explain why the local Specialized / Kona shop only carries Specialized now.
Unregulated Capitalism Is Evil!

I love regulated Capitalism, Free Markets & Entrepreneurs but I hate big bullies!!!

There's a reason most "seasoned" riders hate Special Ed- it's because of stuff like this...& also them owning the rights to the Horst patent.

What started out as a good company has continually morphed into an ugly robber baron with long tentacles that reach into areas they have no business being in.

Oh yeah, all or most of their "American" bike products are now made overseas.

I use Special Ed as an example of how NOT to act towards others!!! I hope you Rot...
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& also them owning the rights to the Horst patent.
Several bike companies have got by using the Horst link without paying Specialized.
Shredr said:
I love regulated Capitalism, Free Markets & Entrepreneurs but I hate big bullies!!!
Wait... aren't patents, trademarks, and copyrights examples of REGULATED capitalism? If American markets revolved around evil unregulated capitalism there would be nothing to sue for.
Several bike companies have got by using the Horst link without paying Specialized.
Oh, really?

Nah.
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