Gibson’s Collaboration Policy Might Be The Future For Other Manufacturers Too

Gibson has certainly been through a rough few years but it seems that the ship is now righted, with the introduction of new throwback instruments at lower prices and better dealer relationships. That said, it seems to have gone over the top protecting its brand with a rather public lawsuit against Dean Guitars and a Play Authentic video that highlighted the company’s trademarks got plenty of pushback. Now an announcement that Gibson will collaborate with a number of smaller manufacturers rather than starting legal action may signal the way forward for other manufacturers as well.

In a new interview with Nashville’s News Channel 5, Gibson CEO James ‘JC’ Curleigh detailed the company’s new approach. “We’ve entered into some agreements with three or four boutique guitar companies, and basically, they actually love Gibson, and we actually love them,” Curleigh said.

The new agreements are with Jimmy Wallace Guitars, Banker Custom Guitars and Echopark Guitars and allows them to Les Paul, Explorer, ES-335, Flying V and Firebird body shapes and headstock designs. 

A collaboration similar to this might be a way to go for other manufacturers as well. Microphone manufacturers like Shure and Neumann and speaker companies like JBL and Nexo have experienced numerous knockoffs over the years. Although some of the designs that are copied have exceeded their patents, it still might be a better to adopt a policy of “If you can’t beat them, join them.” This could maintain at least some quality control for the companies with products being copied and even add some revenue to the bottom line from license fees.

That said, you need a willing participant on both sides and it’s hard to believe that any of the Chinese clone companies would feel the need to pay a license fee, especially when tariffs are being imposed on Chinese products already.

When it’s all said and done, the kinder and gentler approach adopted by Gibson might be a more successful way to grow the market rather than line the pockets of the legal system.

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