On this edition of counterfeit skateboards we have a completely generic looking Gator rip off found all the way over in Belgium, complete with a Tony Hawk Skategear sticker that definitely looks like it’s an 80′s vintage, but I’m wondering if it (sticker) is of a later vintage, because it doesn’t look familiar to me.
- Thanks to David Maes for the tip.
A long time ago, but not that long ago, someone claimed the only reason they were re-releasing the Gator board with “Gator” on it instead of “Vision” (like they originally did the re-issues) because there was a mixup with the old films. A little while later they claimed that Mark “Gator” Anthony never owned the trademark to the “Gator” name so it was ok. So… someone sure is confused about those old films huh? A mini version of your favorite celebrity skater’s pro model. Just the thing to inspire your kids. Available at Select Distribution.
44 year old Mark “Gator” Anthony was denied parole in his 31 year to life conviction for the 1991 murder and rape of Jessica Bergsten. He won’t be eligible for a release again for 7 more years.
[Source: Sign On San Diego] - Thanks to Jeff Roenning for the tip
Vision Street Wear (through Select Distribution) is pimping a limite release of the Vision “Tribute Series” including, for immediate delivery the “Gator Ramp (with his actual name on the boards)” I pressed the sales rep for information on who gets those royalties, and after a few elusive, vague responses I ultimately received the answer that Select somehow owned the Gator name from the get go, and so they don’t need to pay any royalties. I don’t know how that pans out for the boards “with his actual name on it.” My guess is Mark failed to trademark “Gator” and didn’t think about it since it was already his nickname. He probably figured he didn’t need to. Remember When He started going by a different name? Mark Gator Anthony or something… What does Mark “Gator” Rogowski have to say about the re-issues? He spoke up about it in Sean Cliver’s (great) new book, Disposable The Skateboard Bible.
One redeeming (and useful) gesture would be for companies that still sell decks with the old Gator graphics (with or without the name) to please direct what would have been royalties to organizations devoted to ending violence and promoting understanding. That could be really healing.
It’s on page 236.
There’s more…
