Oregonian picks up “Stumptown” saga

Specialized, you took your bully tactics one too far this time. All of this youve been building up is now coming back to haunt you. you dont own everything like you seem to think…

I back Specialized.
I’m an avid cyclist, and I wouldn’t make any connection between the two names, but Specialized has a business OBLIGATION to protect their interests against any possible trademark infringement which could CONCEIVABLY adversely affect them, at any time; now or in the future.

I think anyone who is involved in any activity deeply enough to peruse related media regarding our chosen avocation(s), tend to lose objectivity and are unable to view it through a layman’s eyes.
To a casual biker, ‘Stumptown’ just MIGHT appear to be simply a “new & improved” variation of the venerable Stumpjumper model.

A judge has to make the objective determination as to whether it is likely that an average person might be confused enough to cause either party a monetary loss, or if it MAY appear that MC might be wrongfully attempting to leverage Specialized’s massive reputation and clout to increase their own sales. (Business Ethics 101)

Specialized has to protect their property, just as MC might object to say, Santa Cruz creating a new model called the ‘San Anders’ – Might be “confusingly similar” to persons not actively involved in mountainbiking.

Now, with all of that being said, it is not an opinion as to whether I believe that there is or is not any substance to Specialized’s claim, but I DO understand and support their business need to pursue the matter, and their right to enforce copyright enfringement.

FWIW – I also believe that Lance has EVERY RIGHT to object to the name “Skidstrong”, which I consider to be a BLATANT ripoff of Lance’s fame and reputation.

I think most people in the world that buy bikes don’t even are about this issue. If people really cared or paid attention to what companies do every day, they wouldn’t support a majority of those companies. An example is Wal-Mart. Number one in the line of business they are in. Nobody cares as long as they get cheap products. The average comsumer I think cares more about what can you give me most for less then this kind of issue. Companies like Specialized do that for the average consumer. I don’t think it will hurt Specialized at all. If it does hurt them maybe they deserve it, but I think they will walk away untouched.

The shame of it all is that the average US consumer doesnt pay attention to what they buy and who they buy it from. its too bad.. our environment and quality of living would be a lot better if they did. In fact, people across the entire globe would have a better standard of living if people cared more about who they bought from and how those companies run their business. Rodman, like you mentioned, Walmart is a great example. #1 merchant out there. Why? good marketing and underhanded means of doing business that keep their customers coming back to them because they cant afford to shop anywhere else. Minimum wage hurts the community, and those businesses that subscribe to that practice bring down the quality of life for everyone. People who buy from businesses such as that keep the quality of many lives down so they can try to upgrade their own. People say, “well, I couldnt afford this if it cost more….”. Its one thing if youre talking about a 3rd or 4th bike, its another thing if youre talking about food, diapers or a car seat for your child (then again, if you cant afford a child, its should go unsaid that it shouldnt have happened in the first place..).
If you cant buy as many things because your dollar doesnt stretch far enough, too bad. thats the reality for most people. Its called making priorities for those things that matter most to you and buying a quality item with what you have to work with. NOBODY should feel good about taking advantage of somebody who labors their butt off to hardly make enough to put food on their table so you can buy a better bike, or another bike or anything else for that matter. Thats how bang-for-your-buck companies, such as Specialized, operate and thats how they get you more-for-less. You might think thats great. I assume youd probably be part of the majority of this country if so. But, I dont agree with that one bit and if Im part of the minority in that argument, I dont mind one bit. Its about voting with your dollars. taking care of those that do the right thing and making it feasible for more people and more businesses to do the right thing. If Walmart paid their manufacturers and employees more, those people would have a better way of life. It would also put more money into the community which would help stimulate the economy. Furthermore, Walmart wouldnt be hurting other businesses in the area as much by bringing down profit margin and bringing down the average wage in order to compete in price. You could say that people cant afford higher prices, but they could if they got paid more… What came first, the chicken or the egg??? Its just one big race to the bottom! Unfortunately Walmart doesnt really care so much about the quality of their employees’ lives as much as they do their profit and I believe that to be the most egregious business act.
Take care of your employees as you would yourself and treat your customers with the utmost respect. A Business owner gets whats left… If the business is ran properly and has a great ambience for everybody, it will take care of itself. Most importantly, businesses will take care of the whole community if done correctly.