York firm says Fender relationship is 'strong' amid guitar giant's cease and desist campaign

York firm says Fender relationship is 'strong' amid guitar giant's cease and desist campaign centers on Gear4music, the UK retailer in York, amid Fender’s legal pressure on guitar-makers over Stratocaster body shapes. Gear4music chair Andrew Wass declined to say whether the company received a cease and desist letter, but said he intends to maintain a “strong working relationship” with Fender. The dispute follows a Germany court ruling after Fender previously tried and failed to trademark Stratocaster and Telecaster shapes in 2009. Fender’s campaign, prompted by the Regional Court of Düsseldorf decision that the Stratocaster is copyrightable, has led to letters across the US and Europe, with Gear4music using Stratocaster-derived shapes for products such as its LA range launched in 2003. Fender previously told media it is not asking for recalls and is working with manufacturers to redesign shapes. Thomann said it is among those “affected.”