Getting to the bottom of "Who owns Aquasport?"...

[seabob4]

Started this thread on THT, see if my lawyer buddies can shed some light on the subject...http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-for ... emark.html

[seabob4]

So, I wonder how much Irwin Jacobs wants for it?

http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f= ... rtg3qs.2.5

[gran398]

With the current state of new boat sales/production....now would be the time to pursue it.

[Circle Hooked]

Very interesting topic,can't wait to see more

[seabob4]

I shall be calling Genmar on Monday.  They have a phone number, and if it's no good, I'll find one that is.  The legal department is where I'll start.  I have no problems talking to lawyers, as, once you get past the legalise, they're not as smart as the rest of us...they just have the gift of gab...

They'll either tell me what the trademark costs, or they'll tell me it's not for sale, one of the  two...

[seabob4]

Soooo....for an update, I have been trying to call Genmar since 11:30 this morn.  Busy signal.  Work on the boat, call.  Work on the boat, call.  Either they don't want anyone calling, they are swamped with calls, or they don't live there anymore.  Even called an old, different number I found, which directed me to the same number I've been calling.  Called Minneapolis Information...same frickin #...

Or maybe they take Monday's off?

[Circle Hooked]

Or maybe they take Monday's off?

I bet that's it,but no answering service  

[seabob4]

Or maybe they take Monday's off?

I bet that's it,but no answering service  

Genmar Holdings.  (612) 339-7600.  I will know it in my sleep...

[c master]

My understanding is that a private equity group bought Genmar last year...someone called "Platinum Equity" in California.  At the same time, Irwin Jacobs only bought - or was attempting to buy - the yacht group which consisted of Marquis and Carver.  I believe Hydra Sports was in the mix as well.  Not clear whether Platinum shut down the remaining small boat facilities.  Apparently there was some discussion of using a few of those plants to build FRP wind turbine blades but whether or not that happened, I don't know.

[seabob4]

Cliff,
Hydra-Sports was picked up by the group that owns MasterCraft, H-S is now built in Vonore, TN.  I have a good friend whose in H-S customer service (if you ever see NTrain2K on THT, that's him).

Talked to Lewis this morn, may try calling Carver up in Pulaski, or even the FLW people.  I mean, if they have no intention of reviving the brand, what's the use in owning the TM???

[MarshMarlowe196]

 I mean, if they have no intention of reviving the brand, what's the use in owning the TM???

It's the same reason that GM still owns the intellectual property rights of the the trademarked name "Oldsmobile".  Even though they are no longer producing cars badged as Oldsmobile, they are still making money from royalties that vendors are paying them to sell merchandise with the namesake or likeness.

You wouldn't think there'd be much money to make off of the name "Aquasport", but I'm willing to bet that the little ebay guys out there who are reproducing decals and the such are paying some kind of royalty to whoever owns the trademark.  Maybe you could get in contact with one of those vendors and find some answers.  Money talks, and you know the rest ...  

[Fletch170]

Does this holding company own the physical assets as well, or just the TM?

[seabob4]

Does this holding company own the physical assets as well, or just the TM?

As far as we know, there are no physical assets left...except what's inside the fence at Whitfield and Old 301...

[wingtime]

Found this on the US Trademark office site:

http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4002:643nl5.2.5

[wingtime]

I also foudn this on the US Trademark office for the original Aquasport logo.  Looks like it is dead.  Interestingly it has the same attorney listed.  

http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4002:643nl5.2.14