On March 21, 2025, a Texas federal jury in the Eastern District handed down a verdict that’s got trademark lawyers—and guitar enthusiasts—across the Lone Star State buzzing. In Gibson Brands Inc. v. Armadillo Distribution Enterprises, the iconic guitar maker Gibson scored a win against Florida-based Armadillo for infringing its legendary guitar shape trademarks, like the Flying V and Explorer. The catch? Gibson walked away with just $1 in damages. What gives? For Texas businesses protecting their brands, this case is a riff worth learning.
The Sound of Victory, Muted by Delay
Gibson, a Nashville titan with deep Texas ties (think Austin City Limits and every honky-tonk stage), sued Armadillo over its Dean Guitars line, claiming the designs ripped off Gibson’s trademarked silhouettes. The jury agreed—Armadillo infringed, and it’s now barred from selling those knockoffs. But when it came to damages, the award was a single dollar. Why? The jury leaned on a legal defense called laches, finding Gibson waited too long to strum up its claim.
Laches is lawyer-speak for “you snooze, you lose.” It’s an equitable principle that punishes delay when it prejudices the other side. Armadillo argued—and the jury bought—that Gibson knew about the alleged copying for years but didn’t act, letting Armadillo build its business on those designs. The result? A symbolic win for Gibson, but no cash to tune up its bottom line.
Trademark Takeaways: Timing Is Everything
For Texas businesses and entrepreneurs, this case hits a chord. Our state’s business-friendly courts, like those in the Eastern District, are a hotbed for trademark disputes—especially as companies flock here from Austin’s tech scene to Houston’s energy giants. Here’s what Gibson v. Armadillo teaches us:
- Act Fast or Pay the Price: Trademarks aren’t just logos or names—they’re assets. If you spot infringement, don’t let it slide. Delay can slash your damages, even if you win. Gibson’s $1 payout proves that enforcement isn’t just about being right; it’s about being timely.
- Monitor Your Marks: Gibson’s iconic shapes are as recognizable as a Longhorn steer, but even big brands can miss copycats. Regular audits of your market—whether you’re a craft brewery in Dallas or a startup in San Antonio—can catch infringers early. Pair that with a solid trademark application strategy, and you’re ahead of the game.
- Texas Courts Mean Business: The Eastern District’s jury didn’t mess around, balancing infringement with fairness. It’s a reminder that Texas courts respect trademark rights but won’t reward complacency. For local businesses, this is both an opportunity and a wake-up call.
Striking the Right Chord with Your Brand
Gibson’s case isn’t just about guitars—it’s a lesson for any Texas company with a brand worth protecting. Whether you’re a local BBQ joint slinging the best brisket in Texas, coding software for a Texas tech firm, or crafting the next big thing, your trademark is your identity. Letting infringement fester could leave you with a hollow victory, like a guitar with no strings.
At O’Neill Law, we’ve seen how fast the Texas market moves—and how fiercely you need to defend your turf. From filing bulletproof trademark applications to tackling infringement head-on, we help clients across the state keep their brands in tune. Gibson v. Armadillo shows that waiting can cost you more than you think. Don’t let your trademark riff fade out—let’s talk strategy before the clock runs down.
Have a trademark you need to protect? Contact us today for a consultation. In Texas, timing’s everything—let’s make sure yours is pitch-perfect.