For many guitarists, finding the right tone is a lifelong pursuit. It’s the quest for the perfect sound—a sound controlled not only by the guitar or the amplifier but also by the complex chain of electronics connecting them. Central to this are the effects pedals, and few pedals have the same mythical status as the Klon Centaur.

This legendary pedal, built by guitarist and designer Bill Finnegan in the 1990s, was the subject of a recent trademark lawsuit that drew a line between a respectful “klone” (often spelled with a “K”) and an infringing counterfeit.

While many Klon klones have existed in the market, what made this certain pedal the subject of a lawsuit? We’ll dissect the intricacies of trademark law, exploring where homage ends and counterfeit begins.

Click here to read the full article on IP Watchdog.