From Guitar World · · 1m 10s
Dean Parent Company Pays Gibson $4m Legal Costs
Dean's parent company ordered to pay Gibson over $4m in legal fees after trademark dispute.
In brief
Dean's parent company ordered to pay Gibson over $4m in legal fees after trademark dispute. Armadillo Distribution Enterprises must pay Gibson $3.81m legal costs and $235k litigation fees following Texas court ruling on trademark dispute. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Legal Dispute
Armadillo Distribution Enterprises ordered to pay Gibson more than $4 million in legal costs to cover trademark dispute.
Court Ruling Details
Texas district judge Amos L. Mazzant ruled Armadillo must pay $3,811,026.13 for Gibson's lawyer bills plus $235,417.92 in litigation costs.
Jury Trial Outcome
Second jury trial in March 2025 ruled Gibson won on SG, Explorer, and Flying V body shapes but found ES body shape generic with no infringement.
Legal History
Gibson sued Armadillo in 2019 over trademark infringement, counterfeiting, unfair competition, and dilution with a 2022 victory ordering Dean to stop V, Z, and Gran Sport guitars.
Recent Strategy Shift
Dean launched updated V-shaped and Z-style guitars with taglines 'Back with a Vengeance' and 'Zero f**ks given' in November 2023.
“Back with a Vengeance and Zero apologies”
Bankruptcy Plan
Armadillo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2026 to restructure financial obligations and strengthen brands for long-term growth.
At a glance
Armadillo Distribution Enterprises must pay Gibson $3.81m legal costs and $235k litigation fees following Texas court ruling on trademark dispute.
