“Rest easy, FCBC has no intention to start a brand to compete with your efforts nor are we committed to using “Sprout” as a model name.”
— Peter Discoe, Fort Collins Bicycle Company
A representative of Fort Collins Bicycle Company has responded to our story yesterday about its Swobo brand wanting to use the “Sprout” name for a future line of kids bikes. For background, Sprout Cycles has been used by Portland-based bike builder Edwin Brown since 2005.
In a comment left on our story, Peter Discoe with FCBC says they have “no intention” to start a brand name that competes with Brown’s business. Read Discoe’s full comment below (emphasis mine):
“First, let me say that neither Mr. Brown nor Mr. Maus has contacted me about this. Unfortunately, the Coloradan [story here] was incorrect in it’s [sic] reporting that Fort Collins Bicycle Company is starting a new brand to compete with Mr. Brown. You’ll note also it claims me as the Founder of Swobo. Something that I am not. The fact is, what was printed was a misconstrued comment regarding a possible model name for a youth model. Let me be clear… a possible model name. As to the reason we applied for the trademark in that category of children’s bicycle, as has been stated several times here, it part of prudent business practices. We are applying for several names of products, current and potential. Important to note as Mr. Whalen noted, applying is just part of the process and does not guarantee acquisition.
Mr. Maus, please feel free to contact me the next time you’d like to do a story on us. Unfortunately, I think a quick call or email beforehand could have helped retained accuracy in your story and I’m happy to help you in the regard in the future. Edwin, please feel free to contact me, peter@focobikes.com if you’d like to. Rest easy, FCBC has no intention to start a brand to compete with your efforts nor are we committed to using “Sprout” as a model name. If fact, if you’re interested in doing some prototype work in 2012, do reach out. Using folks of your talent is something we often do for help in the initial stages of design and if we can help you achieve your goals in the bike industry as we’re working on achieving, we’re happy to do so.”
For the record, I did make an attempt to contact Mr. Discoe, but was unable to. There is no website for FCBC. I also left a message with an organization he is associated with, but never heard back. I also contacted the reporter from The Coloradoan to get Discoe’s contact info but never heard back before publishing my story.
As for Brown, he’s obviously somewhat relieved to hear this news. A few minutes ago he told me he’ll still follow through with his lawyer to make sure FCBC relinquishes all claims to “Sprout”; but he’s happy they seem to be giving it up. “It’s fantastic,” he said.