CALGARY, Alberta (BRAIN) — Cafe Roubaix owner Dan Richter said on the store's Facebook page Tuesday that Specialized president Mike Sinyard had called him to discuss a much publicized trademark dispute between Specialized and the store.
"I had a great conversation with Mike Sinyard today, and I am happy to let everyone know that things will be working out fine," Richter wrote.
"We thank you for your continued support. You have all been so very awesome to us!"
Richter had told the press this weekend that he had received a letter from Specialized's lawyers, informing him he had violated Specialized's trademark on the name Roubaix, and telling him to change his store's name and transfer its website URL to Specialized. The story first appeared in the Calgary Herald and soon went viral, generating an outpouring of support for Richter and giving Specialized a PR black eye.
On Monday, the story became more complicated when Advanced Sports International, the Philadelphia company that owns Fuji Bikes, told BRAIN that it controlled the Roubaix trademark, which it licenses to Specialized. ASI's CEO said he had no problem with Richter's use of the mark.
The Facebook post did not give any more details on how the dispute would be settled.
Specialized released a statement Tuesday afternoon: "We are working hard with Mr. Richter to find a resolution we are both happy with to make this situation right. While we and Mr. Richter can’t yet share specifics, we both look forward to sharing an update soon.”
On Wednesday, Sinyard visited Cafe Roubaix, had breakfast with Richter and apologized to him for the situation. The shop posted a video of the two of them on its Facebook page.
