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HI Bob, from doing some trade marks myself in several previous businesses over the years, I can tell you from what I know personally, which is you cannot use the Thompson Logo (Thompson and bullet), they purchased the trade mark name but have no rights to parts, repairs or anything else besides the Logo, as a matter of fact I would say just like everyone else contact a trade mark lawyer who will need to pull up their trademark they purchased and see if they tried to get further coverage. I do not think they can stop anyone from making a Thompson SMG if it was designed differently, I think what they purchased from Numerich was the trade mark Thompson and bullet logo plus perhaps their (Numerich's) design of the shitty guns they make and only the ones they make with the original specific design (possible Patent). This would be like Ford saying they have the rights to cars and no one else can make a car, you cannot copy a Mustang exactly as Ford makes them but you sure as hell can make something close with a different name. That is why Honda and BMW tried to sue manufacturers in China because they copied their cars exactly not a difference in a single screw. Even way back the Wright Brothers tried to sue everyone who made an "airplane" and you cannot do that as long as it has proven differences it cannot be trade marked or else we would only be able to buy 1 television set etc. Personally I would frame the letter for your bathroom wall and keep doing what you do and see if they wish to go to court, at which point just do some personal research ( I can help you if needed) and with what you find on their trademark and other similar cases which would have all be thrown out just go yourself to court and I am sure you could show a judge they are nuts. If you need help let me know, they are trying to scare you and a legal letter tends to scare most people, I would do some research to have on hand (get a lawyer to get a copy of the trade marks they hold to see what is in them, it is very clear what they will have the rights to, then just ignore them and see what they do. If you have to go to court I will set up a go fund me page to help you with legal bills, they are just a bunch of bullies but do not respond to them and tell them what you will do, never show your hand let them make the first move beyond the letter. Last thing, you cannot patent a "style" if you could no one besides Colt could make an AR 15 or SAA Revolver but many companies do and they are very close in appearance with a slight difference and keep in mind Patents expire as well, the Thompson stopped being built in the early 1940's which is now beyond any patent being enforceable. They have nothing, go on with your business. My 2 cents - Richard

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