Gold Bros sued for using Isle of Skye tartan without permission

**ForresterModern** · 27th March 08, 08:00 PM

According to the tartan finder at kiltstore.net the IOS modern tartan is available in 16oz and 10oz from Lochcarron, 13oz, 10.5oz and 8oz from Marton Mills, or can be custom woven to order in 16-11oz weights in wool or 3oz silk from Glen Affric weavers.

**robthehiker** · 27th March 08, 08:01 PM

Isle of Skye is still available on their website! You'll have to act fast though!

**ForresterModern** · 27th March 08, 08:05 PM

Actually found a decent Tartan Day special on IOS 16 oz 8yd custom made machine sewn kilt from Scottishkilts.net today-----only about $240 plus shipping---tabs out around $270 to the US. Has to be the Lochcarron Strome fabric. Not bad for that quality fabric, although I know nothing about the company's kilt making quality, although I believe it says UK made. I think, though, that they are affiliated with the same company that runs the tartanweb site that advertises here on xmts.

**Ayin McFye** · 28th March 08, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by ccga3359

Do I sense that people are taking glee at the misfortune of others most deserving?

In German we have a word for that. It's called Schadenfreude. It's one of my favorite words ever. I think it's just awesome that there is a word that means "The malicious enjoyment of other's misfortune".

**Arlen** · 28th March 08, 09:08 AM

You know, I have seen them selling it as IOS woven by Locharron in their shops, but I have been wondering at one of their other tartans which looked suspiciously like the IOS but was named something else.

Hmmm.

**starbkjrus** · 28th March 08, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by Ayin McFye

In German we have a word for that. It's called Schadenfreude. It's one of my favorite words ever. I think it's just awesome that there is a word that means "The malicious enjoyment of other's misfortune".

Yup what he said.

**Colin** · 28th March 08, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by Ayin McFye

In German we have a word for that. It's called Schadenfreude. It's one of my favorite words ever. I think it's just awesome that there is a word that means "The malicious enjoyment of other's misfortune".

Except that they are deserving of this, as is any other company that knowingly violates a copyright or license (in a different country or not). I am glad someone is taking a stand and protecting their property rights. Why should some follow the rules while others take an easy route and show total disregard to those that designed the tartan, own the rights, or pay royalties. The good guys shouldn't fund the bad ones.

The same thing happened with the Irish National a few years ago. A few ebayers copied the design and sold it as Bright Irish, or National Irish, etc,etc. It was the same tartan only with the name tweaked. It fooled no one and I believe the company that owns the name and tartan eventually went after these firms. Thank goodness for people like Jerry at Stillwater kilts for getting the rights to produce and sell the Irish National tartan. He has shown that you can still offer a sought after tartan at an affordable rate and in alternative materials with respect and without having to rip someone else off to make a few bucks.

**Ayin McFye** · 28th March 08, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by Colin

Except that they are deserving of this, as is any other company that knowingly violates a copyright or license (in a different country or not). I am glad someone is taking a stand and protecting their property rights. Why should some follow the rules while others take an easy route and show total disregard to those that designed the tartan, own the rights, or pay royalties. The good guys shouldn't fund the bad ones.

Oh I completely agree. If I had a patent or copyright on something, and most of the world respected that copyright, but one lone company decided not to, either knowingly or unknowingly wouldn't matter, I would stand up for my rights also. I respect Jerry for purchasing the rights. If he didn't, even though I like his product, I would shop someplace else.

If I remember correctly the Gold Brothers have dealt with lots of issues over the last year or so. Granted some people will say "any publicity is good publicity" but I think they are normally in the news for things going bad. Eventually people will stop respecting them and their products.

I have never personally dealt with them, so I have no opinion other than I think they should have respected the rules/laws on this issue, and should pay for breaking them. Just like anyone else would have to if they broke the rules.

**Colin** · 28th March 08, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Ayin McFye

Oh I completely agree. If I had a patent or copyright on something, and most of the world respected that copyright, but one lone company decided not to, either knowingly or unknowingly wouldn't matter, I would stand up for my rights also.

Sadly, I doubt it is just one company. I hope others will get a clue from this and follow the proper channels from this point on. I remember some suggested that only the weavers could face legal action. This does not appear to be the case.