Trade marks and bullies

[Treeman]

I was recently  told that Safari bullets had to change their name because Safari Arms sent legal threats because they seem to own the word Safari. I did some chatting back and forth only to find there is a bunch of guys who have had similar tactics against them from safari Arms ?
It seems Safari Arms attacks anyone who tries to have a market in the firearms and hunting industry, one chap was said he had his supplier shut off another his trading name and a few other bully type big legal strong arm tactics.
The statement heard a few times was " Safari Arms feels that there is no need for further dealers other than them"
Then at the local club a whole lot of " nothing new Dave, why do you think i have not bought there in 10 years?" followed by " I am nearly 15  years" and a few other mentions. So there I was catching onto a sentiment that seems rather long standing and growing.
Till I hear other wise I will not be doing anymore purchases there, but still feel its a pity to hear stuff like this.
Has anyone else had, or heard more in this regard, the trying to shut out the markets others and legal threats etc.

[oafpatroll]

Doesn't come as a surprise. Big business, and they are a big  and growing one, isn't a place to find the the meek or charitable. I feel really sorry for Rudi if it's true. If you aim not to give business to companies who do that kind of trademark 'defense' you'll have a very short list of big ones to deal with.

[Treeman]

If you aim not to give business to companies who do that kind of trademark 'defense' you'll have a very short list of big ones to deal with.

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Oh ! - that does not bother me, I am really stubborn in this regard. I think it was Dions that did me in on a set of speakers when I was 19 yrs old, never went back and wrote a 100 letters about it to papers everyone I could. When the shut down I did the same. I have not bought anything at Game since the tent I bought was faulty and they kinda told me tough luck, that was 30 years ago. So yea, if I do this I do it proper and I recruit very well.

[oafpatroll]

I was referring specifically to the trademark bullying. You almost certainly buy regularly from businesses who do it and worse than what you described.

[Ds J]

Ceasar's Pizza had to change their name to Roman's Pizza because Caesar's Palace (casino) wasn't pleased.

We live in a merciless and ruthless world where things like compassion and fairness are - too often - just sweet talk and sales gimmicks.

[Treeman]

How do you take ownership of a word that was there before your business ?

Are we not going to be able to advertise Safari Hats and African safari Hunts because these ^&%(&% want it all ?

[oafpatroll]

My wife had to change her company name which she had been using for 10 years because a large multinational that came into SA had a similar one. The cost of fighting them would have easily exceeded her turnover so it was a self making decision.