A second jury has ruled against Dean Guitars in Gibson's trademark infringement case, finding Dean's parent company Armadillo guilty of infringing on multiple Gibson guitar designs. However, the verdict includes significant complications for both parties.

Key findings of the second jury ruling:

• Armadillo intentionally infringed on Gibson's V, Explorer, and SG body shape trademarks and Hummingbird wordmark
• Unlike the 2022 ruling, Armadillo did not infringe on the Dove Wing headstock but did infringe on the Flying V wordmark
• Gibson's ES body shape trademark was deemed generic and should be cancelled
• The jury determined Gibson should have acted sooner, citing "undue prejudice" against Armadillo

The jury noted that Gibson should have addressed Dean's use of Explorer and Flying V marks as early as 1976-1977, when Dean Guitars first began operations. This delay significantly impacts potential damages owed to Gibson.

Gibson responded by emphasizing that the case wasn't about financial compensation but rather protecting their intellectual property and American innovation. The company expressed satisfaction with the ruling, particularly regarding the confirmation of their trademark protections for the Flying V, Explorer, and SG designs.

The final judgment amount is still pending. For reference, the 2022 ruling required Dean to:

• Cease marketing and selling infringing products
• Pay $4,000 in damages
• Cover $160,000 of Gibson's legal fees

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