Fender's Legal Battle Over Stratocaster Design
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Fender Musical Instruments has sparked a global legal feud by claiming copyright protection over the iconic Stratocaster electric guitar design. The company sent cease-and-desist letters to other guitar manufacturers, demanding they stop selling Strat-shaped guitars in Europe. Opponents argue that the Strat shape is generic and not eligible for trademark protection, citing a 2009 U.S. ruling. Fender's new strategy is based on a 2025 German court decision that granted copyright protection to the design. The dispute has led to litigation and divided the global guitar business.
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