API Trademarks Knob
API Audio announced that it has received a trademark for its signature dual-centric knob. The trademark prevents any other company from copying the knob’s design.
API Audio announced that it has received a trademark for its signature dual-centric knob. The trademark for the knob, which is found on every API product, was issued on Jan. 1, 2008. The trademark prevents any other company from copying the knob’s design.
“We secured the trademark primarily to protect our loyal customers and to remove the temptation from other manufacturers to confuse the marketplace by copying or approximating the API look,” said Larry Droppa, president of API. “We felt it was especially important to protect API now, given the many studios and engineers investing in API equipment based on its distinct sound and reputation for excellence.”
According to the company, trademarks for shapes or forms can be granted if the look of a product is integral to its function and may convey information about the brand that is just as potent as the brand’s trademark. API’s legal team proved to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that the knob deserved protection, partly by submitting letters from users, dealers, and two major competitors who testified to the knob’s unmistakable connection to API. “With the trademark in place,” said Droppa, “users can be assured of the integrity of our brand.”
