Turk:
I am not indifferent on the subject and by reading my posts you can see that. But if SAI wins the world will not end. Life will go on even for those unable to get replicas. Even those in the replica industry will go on to something else. They will have to. You know that. I have stated my opinions on what I would like to see as an outcome and my opinions as to whether I think Shelby is justified. No need to repeat.
Understand that while my passion for the hobby is a match for yours, it is still a hobby to me and for most of us. The Replica makers are not in the business because they love us or like us. They are in it for the money. Its is big business. Otherwise they never would have got in it to begin with. I am sure they knew the potential risk of copying one of the most famous cars of all time.
You are assuming that Shelby did nothing to protect the trade dress rights at any time. This is not what I understand as I have said before in my posts.What Shelby did or did not do years ago may or may not be sufficient. I don't know. We do not (none of us here) have ALL the facts. Wt Cobra is right. I have said the same.
Yes I do agree that business interests involving Venture did finally cause the suits to be intiated. But the question is whether it is now too late. Again, don't know. Need all the facts.
You know, you are assuming that SAI is rebuffing or would rebuff any efforts at a compromise. You may be right. But it is also possible in light of the replica industries rebuff of Shelby's approaches years ago and SPF's counter-claim that the Replica industry is rebuffing settlement and taking an all or nothing approach. I don't know the answer to this and neither to you.
As far as spare parts. Don't worry. Most of the replicas are made with parts manufactured by other car companies. Most parts would continue to be readily available. Even parts not available could be fabricated. But I think you already know this.
Whether SAI would be doing the right thing if they got to chop up the molds. As I said, I don't think so. But if thats what they do if they win that is their business decision. They may be right business wise or they may be wrong but thats their decision not ours whether we agree with it or like it or not.
If they win and chop up the molds we will still be around to have that drink. I'll buy.
Speed Waxer.
