Gibson has achieved a significant legal victory, reinforcing the protection of its legendary guitar shapes after a long and contentious legal dispute.
A federal jury in Texas ruled in favor of Gibson, affirming the company’s trademarks for its iconic Flying V, Explorer, and SG models, while also finding Armadillo Enterprises (parent company of Dean Guitars) guilty of trademark infringement and counterfeiting.
This historic ruling solidifies Gibson’s standing in the music industry, ensuring that its trademarked designs remain secure and valuable.
Beyond the legal success, this win is a victory for the broader rock ‘n’ roll landscape, with the Flying V continuing to serve as an enduring symbol of musical creativity and innovation.
First introduced in 1958, the Flying V was a trailblazer with its cutting-edge design and bold, aggressive tone—features that would come to define the sound of rock and metal music.
The guitar’s sharp, angular shape was not just a visual statement but a reflection of the powerful sound that resonated through generations, influencing the music of iconic artists.
The Flying V became an emblem of fearless musicianship, especially after Jimi Hendrix played one during his 1968 European tour. Known for his skill with the Stratocaster, Hendrix embraced the Flying V’s distinct tonal range, even flipping it upside down to accommodate his left-handed playing style. Meanwhile, blues legend Albert King, who lovingly named his Flying V “Lucy,” found it to be a perfect match for his fiery, soulful sound.
Other rock stars such as Tom Petty, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and James Hetfield of Metallica also adopted the Flying V, cementing its role in their onstage performances and musical identity.
With this decisive legal victory, Gibson not only preserves its legacy but ensures that the Flying V continues to inspire future generations of musicians.
More than six decades later, the guitar’s impact is still felt, and its place in music history remains as secure as ever.
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