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Post by dandeurloo on Jun 27, 2015 6:53:31 GMT -6
What is the stuff API did with the VPR? Did they steal that idea like they did the knobs?
API has sucked for decades now. Build quality sucks. Maybe if they worried about doing good work they could actually compete with little guys.
Btw, the 512c is nothing like the vp26. Features are different, cicurit and sound are totally different. It's like calling a 4 door Ford the same as a 4 door Chevy. While both are cars they are not the same. Maybe API will sue all preamp makers.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 27, 2015 7:25:50 GMT -6
So - what's everyone's opinion on a name change? Personally, I just don't know if fighting them is worth it. This could possibly free advertisement for Jeff and a total boon for his business. EXACTLY the opposite of API's intention.
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jun 27, 2015 7:38:34 GMT -6
I've always wondered about this. How clones manage to clearly state they're recreating the originals, and yet, they're not infringing on copyright?
I don't know the law regarding this, but we'll see soon enough, I guess. My Warm Audio Tone Beast is an API style pre, I guess if it doesn't say API in the brand name, they don't care so much?
I think Jeff should simply change the brand name, if he builds it, they will come.
I'm sorry to hear of this though, Jeff's a good guy.
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Post by unit7 on Jun 27, 2015 7:44:18 GMT -6
So - what's everyone's opinion on a name change? Personally, I just don't know if fighting them is worth it. This could possibly free advertisement for Jeff and a total boon for his business. EXACTLY the opposite of API's intention. It really depends. If it were me I'd probably avoid a fight, especially with such good reputation and client stock I wouldn't worry about a change of name. But if I got the feeling that they tried to scare and humiliate me, and if I got backed by an experienced lawyer saying that they wouldn't have the slightest chance to win, perhaps I'd do differently. In any case I join the rest and wish Jeff all the best with this sh*t. |
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Post by b1 on Jun 27, 2015 7:59:05 GMT -6
How many developers have co-opted "Micro" into their name with similar fonts to Microsoft, yet Microsoft can't trademark any part of a word - only their *exact* brand logo. Franky, I don't see how API thinks they have wiggle room. I would imagine any Engineer has pondered all aspects of their design and looked at all angles of circuit "ownership" before doing any serious work.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 27, 2015 9:02:49 GMT -6
But you could win and still be out $100k plus in lawyers fees. Ugh.
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Post by Johnkenn on Jun 27, 2015 9:03:42 GMT -6
Btw - somebody go post this on Gearslutz. The unwashed should be informed too.
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Post by EmRR on Jun 27, 2015 9:07:18 GMT -6
I'll agree that Jeff probably can't say a word about it in the open. I recall we debated various aspects of the new API knob patent way back when that surfaced, with API telling Jeff he couldn't sell the knobs in any form. The company that actually manufactured the original knob had them available for anyone to order in wholesale quantities, but API said you couldn't resell them, which added up to nonsense. Best of all I noticed something significant; the original Spectra Sonics 610 used these type knobs. At this point I can only imagine they consider it a case of potential brand confusion.
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Post by b1 on Jun 27, 2015 9:19:47 GMT -6
But you could win and still be out $100k plus in lawyers fees. Ugh. Yes... best to stay out of court at all costs to avoid funky interpretations. Maybe a lawyer would advise against a name change. It might denote culpability. That sounds really squirrely about the knob deal. Sounds like someone thinking they have weight to throw around, but without a leg to stand on, as I see it. |
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Post by svart on Jun 27, 2015 9:22:00 GMT -6
I think it's a bunch of bullshit. They probably have lawyers on retainer looking for something/someone to get money from, ala Monster cables.
That being said, I'm honestly really surprised it took them this long to get around to doing it.
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Post by unit7 on Jun 27, 2015 9:29:15 GMT -6
But you could win and still be out $100k plus in lawyers fees. Ugh. Ahh, I see. I believe in Sweden the loosing party usually pays all fees, even the costs for the winning party. |
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Post by scumbum on Jun 27, 2015 9:57:27 GMT -6
EDIT  LONG LIVE CAPI !!!! |
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Post by LesC on Jun 27, 2015 9:59:56 GMT -6
Btw - somebody go post this on Gearslutz. The unwashed should be informed too. I couldn't find a Gearslutz thread about it, so I just started one. |
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Post by indiehouse on Jun 27, 2015 10:01:20 GMT -6
Didn't API do something similar with IK Multimedia's EQ plugs? Made them change the GUI because the knobs were too similar? Probably not the same circumstances, but equally ridiculous, and likely the same outcome. API will throw their weight around and force a result in lieu of lengthy and expensive litigation.
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Post by LesC on Jun 27, 2015 10:03:46 GMT -6
So - what's everyone's opinion on a name change? Personally, I just don't know if fighting them is worth it. This could possibly free advertisement for Jeff and a total boon for his business. EXACTLY the opposite of API's intention. I think Jeff's reputation is so solid at this point that a name change wouldn't hurt him. I don't have any CAPI products only because I'm not currently interested in jumping into the 500-series fray. If and when I jump, Jeff's products would be front and center. I admire what he's doing and I wish him nothing but the best. |
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Post by scumbum on Jun 27, 2015 10:07:18 GMT -6
If Larry was smart (which hes not) he'd hire Jeff and have him run a Vintage Api line of gear .
Thats what smart business men do , they see talent , potential and then hire them up no matter who they are .
The main thing we need to do is get the word out everywhere that API is suing Jeff and boycott buying any API gear .
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Post by EmRR on Jun 27, 2015 10:30:02 GMT -6
UPS and USPS are one letter different.....
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Post by yotonic on Jun 27, 2015 10:37:48 GMT -6
Usually a Plaintiff will send a cease and desist letter. Nobody wants to be paying three lawyers to sue a competitor. I suspect Jeff had some correspondence before this action was filed. Hopefully he can resolve it himself or find an investor who will go "all in".
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Post by kidvybes on Jun 27, 2015 10:39:03 GMT -6
...just trying to look at this from a more positive slant...API singled out CAPI for this lawsuit, when clearly there are a number of vulnerable clones in the marketplace?...seems to me that is one a hell of an endorsement from API...ultimately, it would seem that Jeff's vulnerability would be more logo-centric, as his designs don't appear to be the issue...so, as they say, "There is no such thing as bad publicity"...the bump on the radar screen that CAPI gets from this may be more valuable in terms of visibility/PR than any damages, say a possible tweaking of the name/logo...we are all familiar with CAPI, but there is a larger audience that is still naive to finding out about this excellent/affordable product line...so, what is the value of being the company API chooses to go after, when there are possibly bigger fish to fry?...sometimes you couldn't buy this kind of publicity if you wanted to...
...wishing Jeff the best possible outcome!
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Post by tonycamphd on Jun 27, 2015 10:50:22 GMT -6
It is BS all together, Jeff carefully navigated within the legal confines of the system and designed his company to fill a void in the marketplace, he's been around at least 7 years with API's knowledge, they never filed anything, their long standing knowledge of CAPI's existence sets precedent by showing acceptance, if this "knowledge of existence" can be proven, API is toast.
Has anyone downloaded the details of the filing? If not, i will to see what they are moaning about, i bet it's the knobs they don't own.?.? I'm totally down with the kickstarter campaign to help CAPI, and save them from the big bad API machine haha.
But if Jeff changes the name to avoid the plunderous schill that has become the American Justice system(who'd blame him?), i'd consider changing the name to CAPN "CAP Nashville", as he's moving there.
CAPN(say it like Stimpson J Cat "allaight Cap'n"), Classic Audio Products of Nashville.
Scums post is funny, Larry's trying to take credit for the early API's haha, even some of the first API's weren't API's, ask Wally Heider. Note to API, I say loud and clear as one of Jeff's very unsatisfied customers(unsatisfied because i can't have enough of his great products 8), I WOULD NEVER BUY A NEW API PRODUCT, it's all in the sound, you guys aren't even close... Jamicon caps...really?
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Post by NoFilterChuck on Jun 27, 2015 11:12:54 GMT -6
did you spend $6 yet and buy a copy of the complaint from that website?
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Post by scumbum on Jun 27, 2015 11:13:54 GMT -6
It is BS all together, Jeff carefully navigated within the legal confines of the system and designed his company to fill a void in the marketplace, he's been around at least 7 years with API's knowledge, they never filed anything, their long standing knowledge of CAPI's existence sets precedent by showing acceptance, if this "knowledge of existence" can be proven, API is toast. Has anyone downloaded the details of the filing? If not, i will to see what they are moaning about, i bet it's the knobs they don't own.?.? I'm totally down with the kickstarter campaign to help CAPI, and save them from the big bad API machine haha. But if Jeff changes the name to avoid the plunderous schill that has become the American Justice system(who'd blame him?), i'd consider changing the name to CAPN "CAP Nashville", as he's moving there. CAPN(say it like Stimpson J Cat "allaight Cap'n"), Classic Audio Products of Nashville. Scums post is funny, Larry's trying to take credit for the early API's haha, even some of the first API's weren't API's, ask Wally Heider. Note to API, I say loud and clear as one of Jeff's very unsatisfied customers(unsatisfied because i can't have enough of his great products 8), I WOULD NEVER BUY A NEW API PRODUCT, it's all in the sound, you guys aren't even close... Jamicon caps...really? EDIT LONG LIVE CAPI !!!!! |
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Post by tonycamphd on Jun 27, 2015 11:21:17 GMT -6
...just trying to look at this from a more positive slant...API singled out CAPI for this lawsuit, when clearly there are a number of vulnerable clones in the marketplace?...seems to me that is one a hell of an endorsement from API...ultimately, it would seem that Jeff's vulnerability would be more logo-centric, as his designs don't appear to be the issue...so, as they say, "There is no such thing as bad publicity"...the bump on the radar screen that CAPI gets from this may be more valuable in terms of visibility/PR than any damages, say a possible tweaking of the name/logo...we are all familiar with CAPI, but there is a larger audience that is still naive to finding out about this excellent/affordable product line...so, what is the value of being the company API chooses to go after, when there are possibly bigger fish to fry?...sometimes you couldn't buy this kind of publicity if you wanted to... ...wishing Jeff the best possible outcome! Most excellent point! Without a doubt, API fears Jeff for all the right reasons (vast product superiority), and instead of stepping up their game and competing, it seems they're trying to disguise it as something else.... Maybe Jeff should look at this like an advertising investment? If we started a kickstarter campaign to help him with the legal fee's, and got it all over face book etc, it would really backfire on API in a PR sense. Forget about fact that JS's designs smoke them, the whole "we own these knobs" temper tantrum (that someone else created and distributes) is such a laugh they should be embarrassed, only the dumbest of the dumb wouldn't catch on to how ridiculous and petty that whole thing is! I say lets shame them into submission.  |
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Post by dandeurloo on Jun 27, 2015 11:22:38 GMT -6
If Larry was smart (which hes not) he'd hire Jeff and have him run a Vintage Api line of gear . Thats what smart business men do , they see talent , potential and then hire them up no matter who they are . The main thing we need to do is get the word out everywhere that API is suing Jeff and boycott buying any API gear . That would be better, cheaper and more productive then lawyers! |
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Post by scumbum on Jun 27, 2015 11:22:46 GMT -6
Btw - somebody go post this on Gearslutz. The unwashed should be informed too. I couldn't find a Gearslutz thread about it, so I just started one. I saw it , only problem , they are gonna move the thread to a sub-forum to try and hide it . API goes to gearslutz and pays ADs over there . They'll get the mods to hide the thread . |
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