Letter dated 25th January 1982 to Eric Dixon of Blue Sueded Music LTD:
Dear Sir
RE: CBS ARBITER LIMITED -and- BLUE SUEDE MUSIC
With reference to the letter which was distributed by CBS Arbiter Musical Instruments of the 2lst January 1982 headed "Urgent - Press Release" we have now seen Counsel upon that letter. The letter, in our opinion, is designed to intimidate your customers with the threat that they might be committing a breach of the law. The wording in the injunction is clearly set out in that letter and it is ostensibly designed to stop you and your agents passing off or attempting to pass off quitars made by "Tokai" as those of "Fender" and also it restricts the use of the word "Fender", "Stratocaster" , "Precision Bass" and "Jazz Bass" being applied to "Tokai" guitars.
The injunction which was made simply on Mr Arbiter's evidence, does not stop retailers selling "Tokai" guitars as supplied by you to them prior to the injunction, but they must be careful to ensure purchasers do not believe they are buying a "Fender" guitar.
Yours faithfully
BA Ratner
Letter from Eric Dixon to the shops he works with:
Dear Sirs,
Many of you will have received by now a letter from CBS/Arbiter, recommending you to take legal advice before selling 'Tokai' flat-top series guitars.
In my opinion, this letter sets out to frighten music store owners into witholding sales of what must be the hottest music product in the U.K. today.
To attempt to involve you in a legal wrangle that is between Blue Suede and CBS/Arbiter must be the worst case of 'sour grapes' I have ever heard, is completely out of order, and the implied threat in Mr. Arbiter's letter of legal problems for you is plain hogwash. We are the company in receipt of the injunction, not you, and you have as much right to sell Tokai guitars - including the flat-top series - as any other product in your store.
As every press review of the Tokai guitars to date has, by comparison, rated Tokai guitars as being better than current Fender production, I can understand the natural concern of CBS/Arbiter. However, the answer surely lies in their own quality control, (or lack of), and inability to produce the magnificent product on which their reputation was originally built. I have spent many years in this trade establishing a good rapport with all of you, and I firmly beleive Mr. Arbiter's intention is to undermine that rapport.
I would only like to add my thanks to the many store owners who have contacted us with messages of support and encouragement.
Best wishes,
Erie Dixon
Dear Sir
RE: CBS ARBITER LIMITED -and- BLUE SUEDE MUSIC
With reference to the letter which was distributed by CBS Arbiter Musical Instruments of the 2lst January 1982 headed "Urgent - Press Release" we have now seen Counsel upon that letter. The letter, in our opinion, is designed to intimidate your customers with the threat that they might be committing a breach of the law. The wording in the injunction is clearly set out in that letter and it is ostensibly designed to stop you and your agents passing off or attempting to pass off quitars made by "Tokai" as those of "Fender" and also it restricts the use of the word "Fender", "Stratocaster" , "Precision Bass" and "Jazz Bass" being applied to "Tokai" guitars.
The injunction which was made simply on Mr Arbiter's evidence, does not stop retailers selling "Tokai" guitars as supplied by you to them prior to the injunction, but they must be careful to ensure purchasers do not believe they are buying a "Fender" guitar.
Yours faithfully
BA Ratner
Letter from Eric Dixon to the shops he works with:
Dear Sirs,
Many of you will have received by now a letter from CBS/Arbiter, recommending you to take legal advice before selling 'Tokai' flat-top series guitars.
In my opinion, this letter sets out to frighten music store owners into witholding sales of what must be the hottest music product in the U.K. today.
To attempt to involve you in a legal wrangle that is between Blue Suede and CBS/Arbiter must be the worst case of 'sour grapes' I have ever heard, is completely out of order, and the implied threat in Mr. Arbiter's letter of legal problems for you is plain hogwash. We are the company in receipt of the injunction, not you, and you have as much right to sell Tokai guitars - including the flat-top series - as any other product in your store.
As every press review of the Tokai guitars to date has, by comparison, rated Tokai guitars as being better than current Fender production, I can understand the natural concern of CBS/Arbiter. However, the answer surely lies in their own quality control, (or lack of), and inability to produce the magnificent product on which their reputation was originally built. I have spent many years in this trade establishing a good rapport with all of you, and I firmly beleive Mr. Arbiter's intention is to undermine that rapport.
I would only like to add my thanks to the many store owners who have contacted us with messages of support and encouragement.
Best wishes,
Erie Dixon
