Gold Bros sued for using Isle of Skye tartan without permission

**beloitpiper** · 27th March 08, 02:34 PM

Locharron claims to be the only mill licensed to produce Isle of Skye, but I thought Marton Mills produced it too...

I wonder if other companies could get in trouble for using counterfeit tartan?

**Tattoo Bradley** · 27th March 08, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

Locharron claims to be the only mill licensed to produce Isle of Skye, but I thought Marton Mills produced it too...

I wonder if other companies could get in trouble for using counterfeit tartan?

I noticed that too. But, Marton Mills pays royalties to do so. I believe this was just an error in the article.

**robthehiker** · 27th March 08, 08:01 PM

Isle of Skye is still available on their website! You'll have to act fast though!

**McClef** · 27th March 08, 03:24 PM

Well well well.

Few of the tartans that GB tout will have been so copyrighted and patented but looks like they have landed themselves in trouble with this one.

The copyright is clearly stated on the STA website so I don't think they can claim ignorance.

So let's hope that any other weavers of this tartan have a licence from the copyright holder or they might be in trouble also.

And in the case of a tartan it's not just the case of the name but the colours and the thread count.

I am sure that sellers of the legitimate product will be rubbing their hands with glee

**ccga3359** · 27th March 08, 03:40 PM

Do I sense that people are taking glee at the misfortune of others most deserving?

**Ayin McFye** · 28th March 08, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by ccga3359

Do I sense that people are taking glee at the misfortune of others most deserving?

In German we have a word for that. It's called Schadenfreude. It's one of my favorite words ever. I think it's just awesome that there is a word that means "The malicious enjoyment of other's misfortune".

**Colin** · 28th March 08, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by Ayin McFye

In German we have a word for that. It's called Schadenfreude. It's one of my favorite words ever. I think it's just awesome that there is a word that means "The malicious enjoyment of other's misfortune".

Except that they are deserving of this, as is any other company that knowingly violates a copyright or license (in a different country or not). I am glad someone is taking a stand and protecting their property rights. Why should some follow the rules while others take an easy route and show total disregard to those that designed the tartan, own the rights, or pay royalties. The good guys shouldn't fund the bad ones.

The same thing happened with the Irish National a few years ago. A few ebayers copied the design and sold it as Bright Irish, or National Irish, etc,etc. It was the same tartan only with the name tweaked. It fooled no one and I believe the company that owns the name and tartan eventually went after these firms. Thank goodness for people like Jerry at Stillwater kilts for getting the rights to produce and sell the Irish National tartan. He has shown that you can still offer a sought after tartan at an affordable rate and in alternative materials with respect and without having to rip someone else off to make a few bucks.

**Ayin McFye** · 28th March 08, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by Colin

Except that they are deserving of this, as is any other company that knowingly violates a copyright or license (in a different country or not). I am glad someone is taking a stand and protecting their property rights. Why should some follow the rules while others take an easy route and show total disregard to those that designed the tartan, own the rights, or pay royalties. The good guys shouldn't fund the bad ones.

Oh I completely agree. If I had a patent or copyright on something, and most of the world respected that copyright, but one lone company decided not to, either knowingly or unknowingly wouldn't matter, I would stand up for my rights also. I respect Jerry for purchasing the rights. If he didn't, even though I like his product, I would shop someplace else.

If I remember correctly the Gold Brothers have dealt with lots of issues over the last year or so. Granted some people will say "any publicity is good publicity" but I think they are normally in the news for things going bad. Eventually people will stop respecting them and their products.

I have never personally dealt with them, so I have no opinion other than I think they should have respected the rules/laws on this issue, and should pay for breaking them. Just like anyone else would have to if they broke the rules.

**Colin** · 28th March 08, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Ayin McFye

Oh I completely agree. If I had a patent or copyright on something, and most of the world respected that copyright, but one lone company decided not to, either knowingly or unknowingly wouldn't matter, I would stand up for my rights also.

Sadly, I doubt it is just one company. I hope others will get a clue from this and follow the proper channels from this point on. I remember some suggested that only the weavers could face legal action. This does not appear to be the case.