copyright infringement?

[Scotti4]

Came across this fellow recently who is making MM Axis/Evh bodies.

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Walton Guitars | Sunshine Coast QLD

Walton Guitars, Sunshine Coast. 538 likes · 12 talking about this · 42 were here. Walton Guitars makes custom guitars for the most astute of players predominantly from Aussie timbers

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is this Kosher @bigpoppa or @Wonderdog?
The headstock is from a Dean so clearly he has no regard for IP

 

[fbecir]

Hello

The Music Man headstock 4+2 is protected but I don't think you can do the same with the body. How many brands sell guitars with Strat / Les Paul bodies ?
Walton is not trying to sell his guitars as Music Man guitars thus he is not bad guy, just a luthier that take inspiration from classic body shape.

 

[Scotti4]

The Strat and tele body is a very different issue as Fender were very lax with their IP registration. As a result they only own the headstock. MusicMan however I believe the entirety of their design - body and the smaller 4+2 headstock . Coincidently there were 4+2 designs used by Japanese makers like guyatone long before EB produced it.

 

[DrKev]

Ernie Ball, Inc. has *trademarks* on the Axis and Bongo body shapes, the guitar and bass headstock shapes, and 4+2 and 3+1 tuner arrangement. EB's legal counsel will decide if there is any infringement.

@GHWelles