Behringer sued by Roland over Boss clones

Remember Behringer's enormous new range of effects pedals that looked very similar to Boss pedals? Roland have sued, saying that: "at the January, 2005 National Association of Music Merchants ("NAMM") industry trade show, Behringer announced the launch of a line of guitar effects pedals which replicate the distinctive design features of the BOSS pedals with such painstaking detail that the Behringer pedals are nearly indistinguishable from the BOSS pedals".
More interestingly, they also claim that: "in an effort to gain industry acceptance of the cloned pedals, Behringer falsely assured industry retailers that the Behringer line of pedals was approved and endorsed by Roland." Which could explain the "Roland sold the rights for these things" comment on the last story.

Posted by Tom Whitwell.

Comments:

just the latest in a string of copycat behringer products... i'm surprised they haven't been sued prior to this.

# posted by

jonathan neil : 4:03 am

i'd buy 'em. roland has been charging too much for years. blockbuster did away with late fees, major lables lowered cd prices.
legal or not, competition keeps capitalists in check.
flame on suckers.

# posted by

Anonymous : 6:28 am

i'd buy 'em. roland has been charging too much for years. blockbuster did away with late fees, major lables lowered cd prices.
legal or not, competition keeps capitalists in check.
flame on suckers.

# posted by

Anonymous : 6:28 am

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

# posted by

mike crisis : 6:31 am

didn't Mackie sue behringer as well for the mic preamp design in their mixers? I personally love my behringer board...how do you like them apples Mackie??

# posted by

Brandon : 9:55 pm

I don't purchase Behringer products for the "ethical" issues involved, but more importantly that I prefer that my tone not suck ass.

# posted by

Ian : 10:22 am

Behringer hey, more like Bagofshit-inger

# posted by

Anonymous : 6:15 am

It's funny because Mackie, Boss etc. have been overcharging for years, Behringer charge a fair price for a fair item. Why would these big manufacturers bother taking Behringer to court if they thought the products were crap? Simply, Behringer is comparable quality at a lower price. Argument settled.

# posted by

Anonymous : 5:19 pm

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

# posted by

Arthur/Nurikane : 4:58 am

In fairness, Behringer manufactures dependable yet afforable effects for pros and hobby, and struggling musicians. I own two effects at my home studio such as the new Ultratube and the Phaser (which is copied from EHX Small Stone) and I'm proud to say that I like the way they sound. No frills!

I would like to agree on that mystery guy stated that Roland really charging way too much, the mere fact that their pedals are no longer made in Japan but in Taiwan. I don't mean to put down Taiwanese labour but the difference is just OBVIOUS including the chips n' things! For example, I compared two Metal Zones: the first one is made in Japan which my music teaches purchased in 1990 and the one made in Taiwan I bought with discount in a major music store 5 months ago. We blast-tested them and found out that the Japan-made is way more organic than the latter.

Nice blog indeed! :bravo:

# posted by

Arthur/Nurikane : 5:12 am

Well, anyone could sell stuff cheaper if you didn't have to run a R&D department, didn't care about using children or slave labour in China to make the things, and then flouted national and international safety reulations (Google UL safety breaches by Behringer). If you want a toy that won't last, or may set fire to your house/studio with no comeback, then fire ahead and buy Behringer. I wouldn't.

# posted by

Anonymous : 1:27 pm

anonymous,
I'd rather using a cheaper toy that sound like a pro.
Than a Pro gigs that sounds like a cheaper toy.

If you smart enough, then you will understand. But for some reason, i doubt it

# posted by

Pro : 3:30 am

# posted by

Anonymous : 7:19 am