October 1981
Tokai Fender "copy" guitars imported into the UK market by Blue Suede Music Ltd.
December 1981
Fender presses Tokai for control of the entire distribution of Tokai made "copy" models.
January 1982
Jan. 21, 1982. CBS/Arbiter sends letter titled "URGENT - PRESS RELEASE" giving notice to Tokai dealers in the UK of potential legal action.
Jan. 25, 1982. Blue Suede Music Ltd.(UK Tokai distributor), in consultation with Ratner & Cave attorneys, sends its own letter to Tokai dealers in the UK.
March 1982
"Fender Japan Co. Ltd." is announced.
April 1982
Tokai reaches out to Leo Fender in a letter April 8, 1982.
May 1982
UK Customs seizes Tokai "copy" guitars being imported including 205 guitars bearing the word "Strat".
CBS/Arbiter (Fender UK distributor) sought an injunction in the UK of the importation of Tokai "copy" guitars
June1982
Blue Suede Music Ltd. petitions court re: seizure, etc. Judge orders guitars with the word "Strat" remain held.
July 1982
New Fender Squires available in the UK.
October 1982
"Block logo" guitars replace "spaghetti logo" guitars in the UK
Fall 1982?
Modified head stock AST model guitars available in the US market.
1984
CBS sells Fender
1986
Tokai emerges from bankruptcy and reorganizes as "Tokai Gakki Mfg. Co., Ltd."
