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Satellite Amplifiers surrenders Coronet trademark, says it “cannot compete” financially with Gibson

“I have been in this fight until it became purely about money, which is what it has become.”

Satellite Amplifiers Coronet

Photo: Satellite Amplifiers

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Update (4/12): Gibson has issued an official statement regarding the matter, which is presented in full here: “As a result of creating, launching, investing, and owning the trademark for the Epiphone Coronet since 1959, Gibson simply filed to re-confirm their trademark ownership on a ‘first-use’ basis. 

Gibson will protect itself when it is necessary from this and other similar opportunistic tactics, despite any potential distractions being created.

Gibson is the original owner of Coronet and continues to be the exclusive owner of this guitar brand.” 

Satellite Amplifiers has given up its trademark over the Coronet electric guitar, following a legal battle with Gibson.

In July, Satellite made public its dispute with Gibson over the solidbody guitar, alleging that the guitar giant was attempting to invalidate a “federal trademark” it had over the guitar design.

Today (1 December), Satellite announced over Instagram it has “surrendered” its trademark, citing an inability pursue the legal battle due to Gibson’s financial superiority as a major corporation.

“Earlier today, I gave up the ‘Coronet’ name trademark and have ceased production of the Satellite Coronet guitar, effective immediately,” Satellite owner Adam B. Grimm wrote. “I have been in this fight until it became purely about money, which is what it has become.”

He added: “I cannot compete in that fight against a major corporation when it is pitting finances against each other.”

At press time, the United States Patent And Trademark Office shows Satellite’s registration over the Coronet mark to be pending cancellation.

The Coronet was a solidbody electric guitar introduced by Epiphone in the late 50s; its original production run ended around 1970. Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1957.

On 13 February 2018, Satellite registered a trademark for the Coronet, to produce and sell its own version of the instrument.

On 11 July 2020, however, Grimm announced in an Instagram post that Gibson was “attempting to invalidate [Satellite’s] federal trademark for the Coronet”.

Gibson has issued a statement soon after, saying: “As a result of creating, launching, investing, and owning the trademark for the Epiphone Coronet, Gibson simply filed to confirm their trademark ownership on a ‘first-use’ basis.”

It added: “Gibson must protect itself from this and other similar opportunistic tactics, despite the potential distractions being created.”

“Gibson is the original owner of Coronet and continues to be the exclusive owner of this guitar brand.”

Meanwhile, Epiphone recently announced a line of brand-new Coronet, Wilshire and Crestwood models.

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