I hope that they post the results of whatever they are going to do to "correct" this transgression.
Looking at the power amp photo which you attached, the very thick (aluminum?) front panel appears to have a seam visible along the top edge. Maybe the front panel is composed of two seperate pieces bolted together, the outer piece being merely a non-structural fascia? Without that distinctively Pass Labs outer fascia piece, the enclosure would probably appear as a rather generic, although high-end quality, amplifier enclosure. Perhaps, still vaguely reminiscent of Pass Labs, but also obviously not of the Pass Labs corporation product family.
In my experience, obtaining true high-end quality enclosures for DIY has not been easy. While the EU has access to some quality looking enclosures from HiFi2000 in Italy, here in North America, I'm tired of placing my precious projects in bud boxes, and other cluncky enclosures which wouldn't look out of place in the laboratory of some 1950's SciFi film. The enclosure is so important to being able to add a DIY project to one's home system with pride. Non-professional (DIY) circuit construction is invisible inside a cleanly professional looking enclosure. While only the sound may matter to our ears, the appearance does matter to our eyes, and to the eyes of our spouses and guests.
In my experience, obtaining true high-end quality enclosures for DIY has not been easy. While the EU has access to some quality looking enclosures from HiFi2000 in Italy, here in North America, I'm tired of placing my precious projects in bud boxes, and other cluncky enclosures which wouldn't look out of place in the laboratory of some 1950's SciFi film. The enclosure is so important to being able to add a DIY project to one's home system with pride. Non-professional (DIY) circuit construction is invisible inside a cleanly professional looking enclosure. While only the sound may matter to our ears, the appearance does matter to our eyes, and to the eyes of our spouses and guests.
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While I may be wrong, I doubt the case is patented. However, if it is so similar that it is affecting the good will of Pass Labs, either by making money off of Pass Labs good will, or by damaging their good will by offering a shoddy product that people might associate with Pass, then an action may lie. As distinctive as Pass Labs products are, this could be. Sure looks like a nice case, but for a 1000 bucks I dont think I am interested.....not that it isnt worth it, and I do like the sinks!
I think the "Victory" motorcycles look an awful lot like Harley Davidson motorcycles, same lines, same looking V-twin, (which are not patentable, the looks that is) and there is no problem there...I'll Let Mr Pass decide, I am not getting one in any event! ( Dont have a grand just for the case in my build fund unfortunately)
russellc
I think the "Victory" motorcycles look an awful lot like Harley Davidson motorcycles, same lines, same looking V-twin, (which are not patentable, the looks that is) and there is no problem there...I'll Let Mr Pass decide, I am not getting one in any event! ( Dont have a grand just for the case in my build fund unfortunately)
russellc
Yes, the looks could possibly be covered by copywrite, and if the are Profitting off of good will that Pass Labs has generated, then this is violative.
If Pass has no problem, lets do some up like 6L6 says as a group buy, we could always alter the face plate so as not to be violative?
Russellc
from this page: Design Patent Wiki page
"Protections
A US design patent covers the ornamental design for an object having practical utility. An object with a design that is substantially similar to the design claimed in a design patent cannot be made, used, copied or imported into the United States. The copy does not have to be exact for the patent to be infringed. It only has to be substantially similar."
(Edited to add that in a few of minutes searching USPTO.gov, I could not find ANY design patents containing the terms Nelson Pass, Desmond Harrington, nor Pass Labs....)
"Protections
A US design patent covers the ornamental design for an object having practical utility. An object with a design that is substantially similar to the design claimed in a design patent cannot be made, used, copied or imported into the United States. The copy does not have to be exact for the patent to be infringed. It only has to be substantially similar."
(Edited to add that in a few of minutes searching USPTO.gov, I could not find ANY design patents containing the terms Nelson Pass, Desmond Harrington, nor Pass Labs....)
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do an advanced search at uspto.gov for inventor name..... in/pass and nelson
Yields the following:
Patent numbers 5710522, 5376899, 5343166, 4899387, 4107619, 3995228
Amplifier having an active current source
Amplifier with gain stages coupled for differential error correction
Efficient high fidelity audio power amplifier
Active low frequency acoustic resonance suppressor
Constant voltage - constant current high fidelity amplifier
Active bias circuit for operating push-pull amplifiers in class A mode
ZM is correct...WHY ELSE would they design it like that? You mean to tell me they couldnt come up with a "cooler" look? By no means is that design the be-all-end-all of audiophilic jewelry.
ITS AUDIOPHILICUS PROPOSTERI I TELL YOU!
I agree, and I think counterfeiting of any kind is tacky at best. But I've heard the expression "opportunity makes the thief," and I wonder if this isn't happening even here on this forum, and that perhaps it should be addressed directly by Papa in his own words. (If nothing else, so we are not outraged on his behalf - as can also happen in forums....)
HEY...wait a min right there MR....I OWN one of Mr. Rawson's products....it makes a fine coffee cup holder/warmer
I don't care what Papa might say . I'm making my own conclusions .
crooks are crooks , doesn't mind was stolen possession secured or not .
someone took your car - they are yours , even if you didn't lock them on parking place.
HEY...wait a min right there MR....I OWN one of Mr. Rawson's products....it makes a fine coffee cup holder/warmer
eatin' my liver second time .
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