CNS Watch Bands Website Shut Down
Patent trolls have shut down CNS's website. You may remember that they had to discontinue calling their straps "NATO" straps because someone pre-emptively registered that term with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
There is a procedure for having a trademark cancelled, but I am sure that it would be expensive, especially for a Swedish corporation.
I have a fondness for this company because they are a reliable source of 17mm straps. That size is hard to come by for vintage collectors. I will keep checking back with them and will order straps to spite the patent troll. I encourage you to do so as well.
(CNS fabric strap on an old watch.)
Restitutor Orbis. Aristocrat of beauty. Autocrat of time. (Trying to perfect trolling over at theescapementroom.com)
Wow, that’s a real shame!!
They were providing quality cheap straps. I’ve got at least 4-5 or probably more in the last couple of years from them..
I've had great service and products from CNS, for years now. Love those folks.
I have a differing opinion about the trademark holder.
The site is back and apparently not on Shopify as the interface changed and previous orders weren't available.
I think the trademark troll game book is blackmail the little guys, some of whom pay homage the troll at the bottom of their websites. This establishes credibility for the troll to move up the food chain, and potentially take on companies that would win today. Tough to decide, but supporting the players who feed the troll seems like a bad idea.