Assuming you ride somewhere outside the borders of Antarctica, you have likely already heard about the injustice being imposed on our friend and fellow Velominatus, Dan Richter who goes around these parts as @Dan_R.
I’ve been riding Dan’s wheels for a bit over a year, and they are the best I’ve ever had. After hearing about the suit a few months back, I was proud to help him brainstorm some ways he might be able to salvage his brand or come up with a new one while admitting the court battle was out of reach.
But when the article broke in the Calgary Herald this weekend, all hell broke loose. It goes without saying the pride I feel whenever our community here at Velominati comes together for a good cause, but what went on over the last 48 hours was an unbelievable coming-together of not just us, but the Cycling community as a whole. Regardless of the final result, this past weekend made me proud to call myself a Cyclist more than ever, for we proved we not only love riding our bikes, but that we as a worldwide community have each other’s collective backs.
I had an article planned for today, one taking the piss out of ourselves and everyone else as we usually do. But it just didn’t feel right. Instead, I thought we’d post the Packfiller podcast from Bulger Media. This is my fourth time on the show, but this time Patrick (@packfiller) was able to get Dan on the call with us. It was fantastic to hear Dan still has his sense of humor and it was a pleasure share a good laugh with him.
Here’s hoping Specialized comes to their senses, observes Rule #43, and drops the suit. If not, we’ll stand in solidarity, never buying another Specialized product again. The good news is that either way, Dan will rebuild his brand and his shop will live on, stronger than ever. (Insert Shakespeare quote about names here.)
Its a long listen, but we cover the important Café Roubaix stuff early on. Enjoy. And Vive La Vie Velominatus.
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View Comments
@ChrisO
"from a height of about three feet" - is that the optimal height for the best viewing of see-through lululemon yoga gear?
@Teocalli
Check local listings. I'm sure most graphics/decal companies could rustle up one of these really quickly for a very reasonable charge. Of course, the biggest expense will be securing permission and licensing fees from Frank and the Keepers. $150,000 or a few cases of Belgian beer is the going rate I believe . . . .
@wiscot
Check local listings. I'm sure most graphics/decal companies could rustle up one of these really quickly for a very reasonable charge. Of course, the biggest expense will be securing permission and licensing fees from Frank and the Keepers. $150,000 or a few cases of Belgian beer is the going rate I believe . . . .
Well.....yes they could be and there's a place 2 doors from my LBS but there's a principle I would imagine in here for approved items and not wanting to mention Copyright infringement in this thread!
@frank
There are plenty of these companies out there - they are technically referred to as Non-Practicing Entities or NPEs, also commonly and in a derogatory way referred to as Patent Trolls. While in general I agree with you that many if not most could be deemed unscrupulous, there are some that take the position of buying patents from patent owners that otherwise wouldn't have the skills or funding to enforce them against larger companies that are clearly infringing on the patent rights of the patent holders. The NPE in this case shares the proceeds of any settlement with the patent owner but take on the full cost of the litigation as necessary.
As I work in Intellectual Property I will say that there is no 'innocently violating' a patent. You may not realize you're infringing someone else's patent, but that only goes to set the clock from which damages may be collected, it doesn't absolve you of any culpability.
@Teocalli
If there are, it should be reasonably easy to have that patent sent into reexamination with the USPTO. One of the hurdles any patent application has to overcome before its granted is an 'obviousness' objection. I haven't read the patent, but I would assume that the 3ft stipulation or the combination of the angles that are used in the filming is contained in the method claim. If so, a change in angles or height of the camera would be enough to overcome the infringement claim.
@frank
I hate that shit. My company makes over 30% off our revenues off of a single product we have a patent on, but we actively manufacture and sell it.
Patent trolling is vile and needs to be stopped.
@wiscot
Anyone (old enough to) remember the 20 Minute Workout?
@frank Thanks for the link to Packfiller!
@eightzero
Evie Stevie on a Spcialized....mmmmmm. So evil and yet so hot!
@eightzero
Good for you and us.
Just rolling up the driveway after a short windy ride this morning and I meet the mailman, bearing a small parcel from Cochrane, AB. #stylin'