Traxxas lawsuit against Hobbico

[XLR8]

A scrupulous patent attorney, while preparing a patent application, will research their client’s invention to determine if it currently is or has previously been commercially available to consumers; is it truly unique. Once the USPTO receives the application and begins their review process, I don’t think they will attempt to confirm that the invention is unique because the person doing the review typically are allowed only 20 minutes per application to complete their review. It’s risky to patent something that’s not unique because you could be sued by the real inventor. It’s apparent that Traxxas is willing to take that risk.
So, it’s conceivable that Traxxas has been granted patents for other’s ideas and now it’s up to the judge presiding over the inevitable patent infringement lawsuits to sort it out. Apparently, if the case goes before either of the judges presiding over the eastern district of Texas, they nearly always decide in favor of the plaintiff. Maybe the Supreme Court’s recent decision permitting the venue of such cases to be moved away from the Texas courts will finally bring a stop to this BS. Time will tell.

[matt1ptkn]

I've never been a Traxxas buff, but I've owned a few of their models. Never been disappointed, but never been truly impressed either. I'm trying not to pass judgement yet, since I don't have all the facts. But this is not giving me any fuzzy feelings towards Traxxas. In fact, I'm getting the feeling that Traxxas is slowly going after world domination. Has Dr. Evil been hired as a new silent partner?? If the lawsuit is seeking one hundred, billion dollars...

[Timmahhh]

This is one of the reasons that traxxas is a pos company that has gone a long way towards ruining rc. Trying to gouge on connector prices and turning most of rc into rtr idiotland are a couple of others. Not to mention charging a premium for decades old designs that werent that good to start with. The only way to really have a say against this is by not buying anything from them.

[Lonestar]

it's a bit more complex

first, they weren't a POS company 25 years ago... Remember the TRX1? Rad? Bullet? totally decent products with some proprietary design!

(if someone can ever explain the ties between traxxas and Image model, I'm interested btw)

second, if it weren't for the TMaxx and the Slash, RC would have probably totally disappeared a few years ago already. They gave the RC market two life-saving products that brought blood to the hobby when it most needed it.

Now, their commercial practices are somewhat predatory and their base products are overpriced crap... true... but the hobby still owes them a lot.

(and the traxxas girls are yummy! )

[XLR8]

I totally agree with everything ya’ll have posted.

“… Has Dr. Evil been hired as a new silent partner?? If the lawsuit is seeking one hundred, billion dollars…”

Hahaha…. I’ve been waiting for a good Austin Power’s reference. I loved those absurd films – still laughing at them today. haha

[Timmahhh]

Lonestar, i agree on the girls, but i dont agree that rc would have gone away without traxxas. It might be smaller, but it would also be more true hobbyists and less rtr.

[naushad]

Interesting...I heard about this from someone in the UK. This particular person has sent his Topcat to one of the lawyers involved in the case.

[GoMachV]

Should also send in a Bandai Interceptor/Monogram Tornado haha

Heck the TT Predator predates the patent too. Plus lots of clodbuster stuff.

[TRX-1-3]

Are the people at Traxxas just ignorant of RC "history" and ingenuity that was around before they blew it up. Seems like they are scurrying around trying to fu_k other manufacturers over.

They might be able to patent the electricity that powers the vehicle.....

Patent something that is truly unique and innovative. Not clever shock layouts with cool geometry that have been around long before this corporate strong-arm bullspit.

Go for the rights to the concept of scale vehicles while you're at it, prrrrriiiCKS!

[XLR8]

I could not agree more! It's just greed and it makes me angry!!

[GoMachV]

Here ya go Traxxas, chew on this

Huanqi 727 Slash “clone”. Besides the electronics, color of parts and tires/wheels it’s identical. But....it was $132 shipped to my door

I just needed a rig for mock up. This fit the bill a lot better than $400. Sorry Traxxas. Less greedy and I would have bought yours

[duckhead]

Here ya go Traxxas, chew on this

Huanqi 727 Slash “clone”. Besides the electronics, color of parts and tires/wheels it’s identical. But....it was $132 shipped to my door

I just needed a rig for mock up. This fit the bill a lot better than $400. Sorry Traxxas. Less greedy and I would have bought yours

Well...

1. Hated Traxxas since day one, which for me was the first time I saw the Traxxas Bullet, which clearly was a blatant rip off of the RC10. Although, in those days brand loyalty was pretty serious business. If you were a Team Associated guy, you were obligated to hate Kyosho (Ultima), Team Losi (JRX2), Tamyia, etc. Anything 4WD was ok, but 2WD was off limits. My views on that have changed as I aged and became a collector, but as a kid, it was serious business

2. That Slash "clone" is a pretty damn good deal for $132. Does it have full parts compatibility with the Slash? I assume sourcing parts would be pretty difficult. Might have to pick one up for my kid if it does

->Mark

[GoMachV]

Yes, the electronics are the main difference. The parts colors, wheels and tires, and body are different but similar. The quality of the plastic is probably not as good, but as reported on other forums they are 100% compatible

[XLR8]

Wow,132 shipped? Really? Not bad. Looks pretty good. I'd say that if you're interested in owning a Slash, buy one of these instead as a way of showing Traxass your middle finger.

[XLR8]

Haha... I just noticed that it includes a Servo brand servo and Good rich tires. So they're using name brand components.
But hey, I'm joking. It's a heck of a deal.