Nothing like a lawsuit to get some good PR
There is nothing like a good controversy to get people talking about you.
Jeff Kerkove knows this.
And Donna... you definitely know this.
Now, Gary Boulanger, co-owner of Cycles Gaansari, is learning this as well. They were making this fixed gear bike called the "Skidstrong". They named it that before the "Livestrong" name was even copyrighted.
So those at the Lance Armstrong Foundation got their panties in a wad and decided to sue them.
While I'm not gonna get into my thoughts on the lawsuit, I think it's ridiculous that these people think this will help STOP muddying the brand name.
I had never heard of Cycles Gaansari and especially not their obscure fixed gear bike that was named similarly to the Livestrong brand. Now the word of what happened to them is spreading through the blogosphere like wildfire. People are talking and bitching about what LAF is doing.
And in each of these conversations, people who had never heard of Gaansari or the Skidstrong are learning about who and what they are. So be thankful Gary that the lawyers got involved cause sure, you had to change the name of your bike, but in return you are getting more PR, WOM and advertising then any marketing campaign you could ever have afforded.
Posted by Tim Grahl at 1:33 PM
7 Comments
Man, Tim, you're just everywhere aren't you?
Jonathan Maus mentioned Skidstrong earlier this year sometime. I was wondering when the LAF would get around to suing them.
Tim - Fritz is right, you are everywhere! I hadn't heard about the lawsuit, but I was wondering how they were using that name without someone being upset.
Gary Boulanger (man behind Skidstrong) claims on his blog that the resemblance of names never even occured to him or anyone at his shop. Hmmm.
This is just a reminder that business is business. LAF has no reason to partner or appreciate what Gary is doing. They have a business and a brand and Gary's stuff obviously was similar enough to confuse people.
I think LAF is totally justified in this. Regardless of the fact that I like Gary and I like what he's doing.
And by the way, Gary has already moved on. He's got a new name (Fisso) and a bunch more free exposure ;-).
so what about this.....
www.livewrong.net
Oh, I forgot....
You used my name without permission to promote your blog post today. I am going to sue you....and you....and you...and you....and you.
Just kidding :-)
Funny how people will do just about anything.
Oh that's fine with me. Just make sure you name Tim Grahl and CrookedCog.com in that lawsuit.
Oh yeah, and you can have everything we got...
That would be about $3.63 in the bank and a tire pump that's broken.
Looks like Specialized is realizing this now too...
Specialized Wins FSR Patent Case
http://www.sportsonesource.com/news/article_home.asp?Prod=1§ion=8&id=13650
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