I think this is a real shame. I like the videos Shane puts out, they are very helpful. I can’t believe Peloton can really think viewers will be confused. Also, better not use the word Peloton on the forum. Don’t want to get @Nate_Pearson in trouble!
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I mentioned in a tweet reply that he should get Peloton Magazine involved and see what they have to say about the fitness company taking their name, see how it makes them feel lol
Also, there’s another indoor bike company call Echelon, clearly trying make people think of Peloton!
Echelon is a distinct term that’s also used in a cycling context so it would be difficult to argue a case from Peloton’s POV. I agree though that it’s close enough to get you to think about it.
EDIT: just checking through the actual tweet and they seem to have trademarked ‘Peloton Digital membership’ which is where the use of ‘Digital Peloton’ may have riled them. IMHO they don’t have a leg to stand on as the context is very different and peloton is also a generic term in cycling. However, they have the money to make these threats and one guy on YouTube probably doesn’t have the resources to fight them.
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Oh, I wasn’t implying any infringement, just make me laugh when I saw it because they are clearly trying to make people think of the boutique brand https://echelonfit.com/
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Next weeks edition of the Dig It All Pelican News will be interesting.
Seriously sad company. I could kind of understand it if they said they had trademarked “digital peleton” or “peloton digital”. But to claim rights of a common cycling term and every use of it.
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Three words to Peloton: go. pound. sand.
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Remember when Specialized tried to take Cafe Roubaix to court? That didn’t go too well.
Mike
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@gpl just tweeted this out, couldn’t be better timing!
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Keep doing what you do, Shane. Your videos are always informative, entertaining, and it’s one of the first places I go to for indoor trainer tips and instructional vids.
Have a great Christmas, you deserve it.
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Personally, my biggest issue with this whole thing is that Peloton has sold 4 Billion dollars worth stationary bikes.
W-T-F??
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@gpl - keep up the good work you’re doing. The only folks who can possibly gain from this PR ‘stunt’ would be their lawyers. As I said earlier in this thread, kindly (or not) tell them to: GO. POUND. SAND.
F-them, and their stupid bike.
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Oh, and I hear Quaker Oats is going to sue GCN because Emma Pooley has “Oat Cuisine”.
And did you hear? The Department of Transportation is going to sue TrainerRoad because of the word “Road”.
2018 - good f’ing riddance.
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And any attempt by anyone ever in the cycling industry whom has used the term “epic” in product.
“Three Peloton for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men, doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Peloton to rule them all, One Peloton to find them,
One Peloton to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.”
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Hi Shane,
Greatly appreciate everything you do for the cycling community. Have not only made multiple buys (and not) on your recommendations, but whenever ask my thoughts on cycling I point them in your direction.
Have a great Christmas, and a better 2019.
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Shane - things like this are determined by precedent law. What Peloton seems to be trying is very questionable based on the term peloton being in common vernacular many years before they started their company. And to be honest, most of their customers probably don’t even know what a peloton is (not that this matters, but it heightens the irony here).
A reputable trademark lawyer will be able to help you navigate through this, and I’d bet on this forum there might be someone who knows a thing or two about this.
Best of luck. This is major BS.
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@gpl I didn’t realise you would see this thread. I wanted others to know what was going on and show some support if possible. I’m glad you saw it. I hope this ruining your Christmas too much,
Thanks for all you do. I really liked the round tables you did while in Amsterdam with Ray and Des.
Good luck
Michael
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@gpl This area of trademarking can be ridiculous. Here are two other silly examples
- “Season’s greetings” is trademarked in Canada… for goodness sake… How the Grinch Stole “Season’s Greetings” - Lexology
- There are four US trademarks for the use of “Merry Christmas” Merry Christmas Is Trademarked
What is obvious is that these are very contextual. So, (no law expert - get one involved) but unless you are running an indoor spinning class, then as @willball12 suggests…
…they seem to have trademarked ‘Peloton Digital membership’ which is where the use of ‘Digital Peloton’ may have riled them. IMHO they don’t have a leg to stand on as the context is very different and peloton is also a generic term in cycling.
You have my full support. More power to your elbow and legs. …and remember the latin phrase “Nil illigitimus carborundum” (Translates as “Don’t let the *********s gring you down”.) We are all rooting for you.
You do a great service to the cycling community with your reviews and videos. I also love that you collaborate with DCR, and others.
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