Specialized registered trademark (which it still is)

The problem is that Roubaix was never their trademark.

It’s owned by ASI (Fuji) who license it so basically Specialized use the Roubaix name but with permission so have no rights whatsoever to be trying to enforce its use by others. That is the sole right of Fuji.

The fact that Specialized tried to trademark a name in Canada that they use under licence has probably got them in a heap of trouble with Fuji who could quite justifiably withdraw use of it for a breach of terms.

When ASI made their statement that as ‘trademark owner’ they were happy for it to be used by Cafe Roubaix, it made Specialized look like total clowns. Everything since has been damage limitation, there was no sign of Specialized conceding any ground prior to that point.

LsD – Member
Mehh…only apology that matters is bending over and handing back the vaseline.

So that’s why sorry seems to be the hardest word. Must be interesting in your house.

The problem is that Roubaix was never their trademark.

It is, and still is in Canada and Europe.

It’s owned by ASI (Fuji) who license it so basically Specialized use the Roubaix name but with permission so have no rights whatsoever to be trying to enforce its use by others. That is the sole right of Fuji.

Yes, in the US, none of this makes any difference to the situation in Canada.

The fact that Specialized tried to trademark a name in Canada that they use under licence has probably got them in a heap of trouble with Fuji who could quite justifiably withdraw use of it for a breach of terms.

Possibly, although Fuji have to tread a little carefully if they want to continue using the patents they license from Specialized, designing a new range of bikes takes more time and costs a lot more than a re-branding exercise. It would have been interesting to have been a fly on the wall during those conference calls though! It will be interesting if there is a challenge to the Canadian registration over the next few weeks, but I suspect everyone will just keep their heads down until all of the fuss blows over.

When ASI made their statement that as ‘trademark owner’ they were happy for it to be used by Cafe Roubaix, it made Specialized look like total clowns.

The quote was all woulda, shoulda, coulda. They have no rights to the trademark in Canada and no authority to license its use. It made them look like the good guys though, so a good bit of PR.

Everything since has been damage limitation, there was no sign of Specialized conceding any ground prior to that point.

Agreed

All that really matters is how Spesh handle things from now on. We all screw up, the important thing is to learn

Ah ha… yes and Specialized have never done anything similar before… or are currently doing anything similar… oh wait 😀

Yes, in the US, none of this makes any difference to the situation in Canada.

Read the ASI statement. Categorically, Spesh had no entitlement to register roubaix as a trademark in Canada, let alone try to enforce it.

Oh ffs, so for all you haters can you write the apology you would like to see published? Would everyone offended like free money from specialized? Get a grip and accept things for what they might be.

Everything since has been damage limitation, there was no sign of Specialized conceding any ground prior to that point.

Yes but you’ve got to remember that large companies have response times that makes glaciers look fast. PR/Marketing need to talk to Legal, Legal need to talk to the boss, it needs to go to the board, back to PR…

All this on a weekend when there’s no-one around (the story went viral on Friday afternoon). Legal is basically outsourced so Specialized have a sub-contracted team of lawyers running round with more or less free rein to search and destroy anyone nicking names/brands – they probably didn’t know the exact ins and outs of it, just that they thought “Roubaix” was a Specialized owned trademark and acted accordingly.

Mike has done the best job he can under the circumstances, everyone has expressed themselves happy with the outcome (apart obviously from some of the more moral creatures on STW who are still handwringing and/or looking to give someone a kicking from the comfort of their armchair).

Specialized will have learnt some lessons about marketing and consumer engagement, Cafe Roubaix will be having the busiest Christmas of all time – all good!

At least genuine Specialized stuff never breaks like that counterfeit stuff.
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Specialized-Bicycle-Components-Recalls-Bicycles-Due-to-Fall-Hazard/

Anyone seen much counterfeit Specialized stuff?

The most interesting point in that recall notice is that you might want to avoid “topkey” forks if you see them on ebay. At least you can see who made the frames and forks. Merida make Boardmans and a few others too. Not heard of topkey.

I like that, I like the honesty of the bloke and for putting his hand up and apologising and making amends, good lad I salute you Sir.

Now. Why can’t this be levied at the dull corporate heads of failed Banks… 💡

In these days of corporate blandness that sounded like a pretty genuine apology to me. The cycling world is still a relatively small one and it’s nice to see what looks like good will all round, especially at this time of year.

When faced with losing the name for one of their best selling bikes in their best selling market, they really had no choice but to grovel! Fuji and Cafe Roubaix are the winners here. Big corporations acting reasonably (Fuji) come out looking even better. But having said that, I think his apology is actually genuine.