# Dean Parent Company Pays Gibson $4m Legal Costs

> Dean's parent company ordered to pay Gibson over $4m in legal fees after trademark dispute.
- Title: Dean Parent Company Pays Gibson $4m Legal Costs · Guitar World
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: armadillo distribution enterprises, gibson, dean guitars, rule 54 application, trademark infringement, legal costs, texas court, Dean, Parent, Company, Pays, Legal
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/gear/guitars/dean-parent-company-ordered-to-pay-gibson-more-than-usd-four-million-to-cover-legal-costs
- Published: 2026-10-02T15:41:14+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: armadillo distribution enterprises, gibson, dean guitars, rule 54 application, trademark infringement, legal costs, texas court
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Armadillo Distribution Enterprises must pay Gibson $3.81m legal costs and $235k litigation fees following Texas court ruling on trademark dispute.