Bladeforums dealer selling Benchmade clones

[craytab]

I'm not sure if the Benchmade fans are aware of this so I'll post it here. Recently, bladeforums had a new dealer signup to be a paying bladeforums supporting dealer. They can now advertise here. Thing is, they sell mostly clones and copies of various top makers, and a ton of those are Benchmade models. While not outright counterfeits, they are copies and they are illegally using the Axis lock term to describe their knives. Take a look at the below and if you want more information, there are links in my signature to active discussions on the subject.

Evidence of Active bladeforums clone dealer using the term axis lock illegally:

Okay, after spending a little more time on topomart's website (I'll need a bleach shower now), I've come across a bit of illegal activity.

They are advertising that some knives have an "Axis Lock". That is a Benchmade Trade Mark. Further, you don't need to click any deeper on the website than than going to the home page to see this illegal activity. On a computer, simply go there, hover your mouse over the "lock type" tab, and you will see "Axis Lock". They have no rights to use that term. There is a reason why all the legit manufacturers have come up with their own name for the axis lock.

That means that every single link that takes you to their homepage represent a supporting dealer here stealing the trade marked name from a pillar manufacturer in the knife industry, Benchmade. No clicking or scrolling required. Right there on the front page.

Pics:

@Benchmade

 

[abartat]

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/i-got-a-reply-from-benchmade-on-axis-lock-patent.1545720/

OP, read this^^^ since 3 years there is nothing "illegal" in using axis lock.

 

[craytab]

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/i-got-a-reply-from-benchmade-on-axis-lock-patent.1545720/

OP, read this^^^ since 3 years there is nothing "illegal" in using axis lock.

Did you read my post?

There are two issues I am trying to bring benchmade fan's and the company's attention to with bladeforums allowing this dealer to advertise here, neither of which is the use of the axis lock design. We are all well aware companies are free to do what they like with the axis locks patented design. No issue there.

Main issue here is that this dealer is using the trademarked term "axis" to describe the lock. That is still illegal. Benchmade holds that trade mark as far as I know. So, an active bladeforums dealer is being allowed to advertise here and post direct links to trademark infringement.

And the larger, over arching issue is that bladeforums is allowing a dealer to advertise here that sells designs taken from Benchmade, directly hurting Benchmades business.

This is down right scummy and I'd hope other people feel the same way. No matter your feelings, voice your opinion at the links in my signature were an active discussion with the forum owner is happening. Also, I believe benchmade should know about this which is why I am posting this in their subforum here on bladeforums and am tagging them @Benchmade

 

[Babyboomer]

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/i-got-a-reply-from-benchmade-on-axis-lock-patent.1545720/

OP, read this^^^ since 3 years there is nothing "illegal" in using axis lock.

It may not be illegal to use an “Axis” style lock, but it is illegal to call it an Axis lock. That name is trademarked by Benchmade.

 

[abartat]

Yes, I have read your post and not going to read 20 pages of forum drama.

Axis
Axis TM
Axis®
AXIS
AXIS TM
AXIS®
are not one and the same thing.

Also, I believe benchmade should know about this which is why I am posting this in their subforum here on bladeforums and am tagging them @Benchmade

Ok clear now, I am sure they did not know that before

 

[craytab]

It may not be illegal to use an “Axis” style lock, but it is illegal to call it an Axis lock. That name is trademarked by Benchmade.

Exactly. It is now fine to use the lock in the bladeforum's supporting dealer's website below, though I would hope for some inovation rather than just copying an older mechanism. It isn't illegal to completely copy the entire design of a knife, almost exactly like the one below, just really scummy. What is illegal is this bladeforums supporting dealer using the term "axis" lock to sell the knife. Hopefully @Benchmade can weigh in on this.

 

[GB940Rookie]

BF dropped the ball on this one.

 

[abartat]

[...] it is illegal to call it an Axis lock. [...]

I call it BS, prove me wrong.

 

[Nbrackett]

I call it BS, prove me wrong.

It is just a coincidence that you joined BF just a couple weeks before Topomart?

 

[Tigerfan]

I call it BS, prove me wrong.

https://trademarks.justia.com/787/05/axis-78705696.html

 

[craytab]

BF dropped the ball on this one.

They sure have. These brands do so much harm to manufacturers like Benchmade, Spyderco, and CRK who are all pillars of this community.

 

[craytab]

https://trademarks.justia.com/787/05/axis-78705696.html

Yup.

Also, don't engage the naysayers too much, they are just here to obfuscate.

 

[abartat]

It is just a coincidence that you joined BF just a couple weeks before Topomart?

No, obviously it was a well executed plan targeting infiltration of paranoid society of wardens of the trademarks lol.

 

[abartat]

https://trademarks.justia.com/787/05/axis-78705696.html

Find something which says about the "Axis lock" and is dated on 2020.

 

[Tigerfan]

Find something which says about the "Axis lock" and is dated on 2020.

You are correct. It appears Benchmade allowed it (axis-lock) to expire in June of this year.

http://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4801:eoy4d3.2.1

But, you could have stated that several responses ago instead of deciding to be a total jerk about it.

Edit:
Just dug a little deeper and found that Benchmade has an active registration for 'Axis'.
http://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4801:eoy4d3.3.479

So, they DO have a live registration!

 

[abartat]

You are correct. It appears Benchmade allowed it (axis-lock) to expire in June of this year.

http://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4801:eoy4d3.2.1

But, you could have stated that several responses ago instead of deciding to be a total jerk about it.

Edit:
Just dug a little deeper and found that Benchmade has an active registration for 'Axis'.
http://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4801:eoy4d3.3.479

So, they DO have a live registration!

Watch your words buddy, this section is not un-moderated.
Being more specific, OP was about "axis-lock" and it is not covered since 20 years.



So, craytab what is your take on the legal now?

 

[DrRollinstein]

Dont buy any, problem solved. I really dont think you need to make a thread about it in every section of the forum.

 

[Tigerfan]

Watch your words buddy, this section is not un-moderated.
Being more specific, OP was about "axis-lock" and it is not covered since 20 years.

But the active trademark on 'Axis' does not prevent other manufacturers from using 'axis-lock' in their lock name? From my light reading, that is what I understand.

 

[abartat]

But the active trademark on 'Axis' does not prevent other manufacturers from using 'axis-lock' in their lock name? From my light reading, that is what I understand.

As far as my knowledge is concerned - No, 'AXIS®' and "Axis-lock" are two different things.
A Swiss watchmaker has registered 'Omega®' trademark, which does not necessary mean that Benchmade is violating it with "Omega-springs".

 

[craytab]

Watch your words buddy, this section is not un-moderated.
Being more specific, OP was about "axis-lock" and it is not covered since 20 years.
So, craytab what is your take on the legal now?

Frame it however you like. Using the trademarked term is illegal and a bladeforums dealer is using it to sell clones of stolen designs.

And since you are here just to troll this situation, I'll be ignoring and not responding to you further. Bye!