Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Swap Shop and Wish Lists => Seen on craigslist, eBay, and elsewhere => Topic started by: sonicus on August 14, 2017, 06:41:42 AM

Title: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: sonicus on August 14, 2017, 06:41:42 AM

Real Alembic logo,Lefty Fernandes FAB1700 

Item no: 182716560364
Seller: cby40760
I am not happy to see this kind of act showing blatent intent.


Here is a direct link;
Real Alembic logo,Lefty Fernandes FAB1700  | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/182716560364?ul_noapp=true)
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: edwardofhuncote on August 14, 2017, 07:12:42 AM
Our British brother Jazzy caught that one too Wolf... Definitely. Not. Cool.   :(

http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=23040.0

At least they (the seller) aren't trying to pass a Fernandes off as an Alembic with this ad. What bugs me about it - knowing how easily someone else may be taken by it later.
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: sonicus on August 14, 2017, 07:36:12 AM
I am not fully knowledgable of the law regarding this case , however ; the fact that the instrument is NOT Alembic and has the Alembic logo on it shows fraudulent intent from my personal perspective. In my opinion as an act of good faith the seller could remove the logo from the instrument and release it and send it via registered parcel to the Alembic Mothership  . :)
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: lidon2001 on August 14, 2017, 07:53:35 AM
Alembic protects their designs.  Now that they have been informed, they will act accordingly. 
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: sonicus on August 14, 2017, 08:05:29 AM
From my philosophical  view point that does not solve the problem but only aids the seller and the potentially  fraudulent act. :)  That is my opinion ;) AS well in my opinion Ebay could educate the seller as a measure of good housekeeping that  " Trade Mark Infringement "is not at all cool .
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: lidon2001 on August 14, 2017, 08:06:59 AM
How can it be fraud when they are clear in their description?  Honesty = fraud?
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: lidon2001 on August 14, 2017, 08:09:08 AM
Billy Gibbons plays ghost built Les Pauls and Gretschs.  Fraud?


I know it's not the same, but it is close.


A fan got a hold of a logo.  He/She puts it on his Fernandes since Alembics are very expensive and he can never afford a real one.  He/She has chosen to sell the bass, and is clear as to what it is in his explanation.  We as a club have been made aware, and can watch for it in the future.  If Mica wants to contact him/her, that's good.


Projecting what a seller "should" do, when he/she has done exactly that in their description, is not fair.  If anyone thinks they can do better, buy the bass and do what you believe to be correct without comment.  You'll have a nice story to share with the club, and your heart will feel good.  That's how you make the world a better place.  Action, not words.





Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: sonicus on August 14, 2017, 08:13:17 AM
Clearly the Alembic Logo has no " Honest" place being on this instrument. How could anyone disagree with that ? :)
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: lidon2001 on August 14, 2017, 08:22:01 AM
It's just a bass.  Alembic protects their designs.  These comments happen every time.  I don't get it...
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: sonicus on August 14, 2017, 08:27:01 AM
 " Trademark Infringement "  ? ;)
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: keith_h on August 14, 2017, 08:56:43 AM
As Tom says Alembic protects their trademarks when they are informed of infringement. The seller has been honest about the bass which is more than I can say about the person or persons who put those cheap "Alembic" Precision bass copies on the market. I'm sure Alembic will contact the seller and reach a conclusion that is satisfactory to them.
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: sonicus on August 14, 2017, 09:05:53 AM
Indeed Keith . What continues to amaze me is how blatantly this is all displayed and described and yet eBay has not acted yet within their own guidelines of their own rules as far as " trademark infringement" .:)
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: Philip-M-Bass on August 14, 2017, 09:28:22 AM
Hey everyone!

I recently started a thread concerning "Alembic Knock Off's", what you have all discussed here, is in fact, a very real problem!!

When you all have moment, please read this article that deals with Gibson lawsuit!!

http://flypaper.soundfly.com/discover/truth-lawsuit-era-guitars/

Thanks.
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: sonicus on August 14, 2017, 10:08:49 AM
Thanks for posting the article .
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: lbpesq on August 14, 2017, 11:36:26 AM
The whole "lawsuit guitar" myth, and its many variations has been around for years.  My favorite is the story about U.S. agents descending on a music store in Denver, seizing all of their Japanese "lawsuit" guitars, and literally cutting off the headstocks in the store's parking lot!  Gear visual - B.S. story.   

I am not a copyright specialist, though I did take copyright and entertainment law classes in law school from the Beatles' American lawyer.  Unfortunately, I haven't looked at copyright law (except to copyright some of my own tunes) since then.  The fact that the seller is being very clear and honest that this is not an Alembic is legally significant, as I recall.

Bill, tgo
Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: Philip-M-Bass on August 14, 2017, 06:43:37 PM
You are Quite welcome Sonicus!!

Title: Re: Unauthorized use of the Alembic Logo on eBay
Post by: Philip-M-Bass on August 15, 2017, 10:52:21 AM
You are Quite welcome Sonicus!!

Ibpesq is absolutely right!!! Though,Gibson was certainly not happy with Ibanez !!

Please, read this article when you have a moment!

http://www.guitarattack.com/destroyer/lawsuit.htm

Personally, I agree, the Alembic Shield (Coat of Arms) does not belong on a Knock Off!!!