API Knob Trademark

[TapeOpLarry]

Crazy but understandable! I bet we see more of this....
LC

Begin forwarded message:


PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUTOMATED PROCESSES, INC. (API)
8301 Patuxent Range Road - Suite A1, Jessup, MD 20794
Phone (301) 776-7879, Fax (301) 776-8117

CONTACTS FOR EDITORIAL INFORMATION:
Toni Flosi, AAdvert International, Publicity
Phone (847) 998-0600, Fax (847) 998-0260, e-mail: tflosi@aadvert.com
Dan Zimbelman, Director of Sales, API
Phone (301) 776-7879, Fax (301) 776-8117, e-mail dan@apiaudio.com




API TRADEMARKS SIGNATURE KNOB

JESSUP, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 2008: Now approaching its 40th year of designing
and building high-end analog consoles and outboard processors, API Audio
announced that it has been granted a trademark for its signature
dual-concentric knob. Trademark for the knob, which graces every piece of
API gear, and is immediately recognizable as the "look" of API, was issued
on January 1, 2008. Just as API's trademark of its logo prevents other
companies from copying its design, API's trademark of its knob prevents
other companies from copying the knob's distinctive look.

The API knob has been in use by the company for decades, so why did API move
to protect it now? Explained Larry Droppa, president of API, "We secured the
trademark primarily to protect our loyal customers, and to remove the
temptation from other manufacturers to confuse the marketplace by copying or
approximating the API look. We felt it was especially important to protect
API now, given the many studios and engineers investing in API equipment
based on its distinct sound and reputation for excellence."

While trademarks for logos can be relatively easy to get, trademarks for
shape or form are generally not. However, in some instances, the look of a
product is integral to its function and may convey information about the
brand that is just as potent as the brand's trademark. The most famous
example of this concept is the trademarked shape of a Coca-Cola bottle. In
the pro audio world, the "API knob" is analogous to the Coca-Cola bottle.
Even with the API logo covered up, knowledgeable engineers recognize API
gear by the knobs alone.

API's legal team proved to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that the API
knob deserved protection, partly by submitting letters from users, dealers,
and even two major competitors who testified to the knob's unmistakable
connection to API. "With the trademark in place," added Droppa, "users can
be assured of the integrity of our brand. The API look means the API sound,
and the API sound continues to mean absolutely stunning audio."

Automated Processes, Inc. remains the leader in analog recording gear, with
the Vision surround production and Legacy Series recording consoles, the DSM
Series rack-mounted mixers, and the classic line of modular signal
processing equipment.

www.apiaudio.com

[fossiltooth]

I guess that explains the new GUI's for the URS plugins.

[Babaluma]

api scared of behringer maybe?

[calaverasgrandes]

Behringer 500 series modules?

[@?,*???&?]

Damn, that Yamaha R1000 I have with the dual concentric boost/frequency knobs must be in violation- this eq came out in 1983.

I wonder if API will sue?

[ctmsound]

There are plenty of dual concentric knobs on the market. I'm sure it's more the shape than anything. I don't see it as a bad idea. With the chinese knock off market growing, just keeps them from making it look like an API, instead of just sounding like one.

[emrr]

so are they going to stop selling their own knobs as parts unless you can provide proof of ownership?

Or just raise the price of the knobs?

[Marc Alan Goodman]

so are they going to stop selling their own knobs as parts unless you can provide proof of ownership?

Or just raise the price of the knobs?

I bet neither. I've spoken to Larry a few times recently as well as other people at API and they're all pretty straight. But they've already had to fight plugin manufacturers who've used the exact look of their products without permission (URS) and I bet this has been in the works since then. It takes a while to get something like that trademarked. Plus with everyone and their uncle making 500 series modules what's to prevent someone from making near exact API lookalikes? Someone made a joke about Behringer, but to me it doesn't seem that far off the mark.

-marc alan goodman

[drumsound]

I have no problem with this and if I were in management at API, or owned stock and be happy to know that there was protection of the brand.

[trodden]

I have no problem with this and if I were in management at API, or owned stock and be happy to know that there was protection of the brand.

totally.

i love their knobs, classy and modern at the same time. I love their knobs like how moms love my knob.

[JdJ]

I have no problem with this and if I were in management at API, or owned stock and be happy to know that there was protection of the brand.

+1 - I don't think it's far fetched for them to do something like this. It is an iconic knob on long time respected equipment. (Here come the innuendos)

-J

[PublicMelody]

api scared of behringer maybe?

That'll be the day when Behringer gives a !@#$ about copyrights, trademarks, etc.

I'm on-board with API with this one. BTW, I've had excellent support from Audio Toys Inc. (API parent).