Dead

[CPT2nr88]

The thing that bothered me about the Gobi vs WMW lawsuit is that Gobi never bothered going after BajaRack that also attaches to factory points. I believe Gobi's bigger problem was the similarity between Gobi and WMW's racks. Both are full length basket racks of similar style. BajaRack on the other hand is styled differently, same as a flat rack would be. I understand wanting to stay out of it. It is too bad Gobi has basically destroyed any sort of competition in the market.

Although Gobi didn't sue Bajarack for their 4runner rack... They are currently suing Bajarack for their Convertable Jeep wrangler rack and their FJ cruiser Ladder.
The lawsuit has been going on for over a year. And during that time since Bajarack is defending themselves, they had to stop production and sale of these racks. Meanwhile Gobi doesn't, and anyone who has wanted a rack for their wrangler over the past year and who knows how much into the future, the only rack they have been able to get was Gobi.

Bottom line... even if Gobi doesn't win the lawsuit, they have already won the market.

If you just made a flat rack, ie. without rails, I would definitely argue that it is quite different from Gobi's rack in form and function. However, based on Gobi's track record, they would probably try. Because even if they lose the lawsuit they will win by limiting your sales. They are Patent trolls, Plain and simple.

 

[Clark27]

Following and in pending design/price of a flat rack.

 

[NineOfSpades]

Any updates on new mounting design or anything?


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[Yukon4Runner]

If the group buy gets ressurected, I'm interested...preferably basket type but I'm flexible on style.

 

[meRockboost]

I'm looking into a RTT. I'm also obviously looking for a place to mount it.

I wanted WMW but...

I liked the price of this one but...

Maybe I'll get a tundra and a BAMF bed rack instead of gobi rack for my 4runner. A little more expensive to go that route but screw gobi.

 

[BigKitty]

I am now on the fence about offering these. I accidentally ran across the pending lawsuit between GOBI and WMW and I am glad I did.

So, it appears that GOBI has a patent on how roof baskets attach to vehicles. It is the broadest, most ridiculous patent I have ever looked into. Basically, if you make a basket that attaches to the vehicle using the vehicle's exiting roof rack or mount points, it infringes on their patent. That is like saying that if you make a back pack, and it is worn over the shoulders and someone patents their backpack to do the same thing, then you are in the wrong...

I understand there are tons of differences between the two racks, but in the end how they attach to the trucks are very similar which would have been the same way I would have attached because it makes perfect sense to do so. But it appears GOBI patented the idea.

If anyone has some better suggestions on attachment points, let me know. Until then I will try to come up with something but it will be most likely dead in the water at this point. Not going to risk my company over one product.

Sorry folks.

I would be interested in a flat rack with a removable basket. I wonder if that would be an infringement. I'm sorry it is an issue, I won't be buying anything that has to do with Gobi the @$$holes.
If your flat rack is still possible I would be interested.

 

[Scramble]

I am now on the fence about offering these. I accidentally ran across the pending lawsuit between GOBI and WMW and I am glad I did.

So, it appears that GOBI has a patent on how roof baskets attach to vehicles. It is the broadest, most ridiculous patent I have ever looked into. Basically, if you make a basket that attaches to the vehicle using the vehicle's exiting roof rack or mount points, it infringes on their patent. That is like saying that if you make a back pack, and it is worn over the shoulders and someone patents their backpack to do the same thing, then you are in the wrong...

I understand there are tons of differences between the two racks, but in the end how they attach to the trucks are very similar which would have been the same way I would have attached because it makes perfect sense to do so. But it appears GOBI patented the idea.

If anyone has some better suggestions on attachment points, let me know. Until then I will try to come up with something but it will be most likely dead in the water at this point. Not going to risk my company over one product.

Sorry folks.

Although Gobi didn't sue Bajarack for their 4runner rack... They are currently suing Bajarack for their Convertable Jeep wrangler rack and their FJ cruiser Ladder.
The lawsuit has been going on for over a year. And during that time since Bajarack is defending themselves, they had to stop production and sale of these racks. Meanwhile Gobi doesn't, and anyone who has wanted a rack for their wrangler over the past year and who knows how much into the future, the only rack they have been able to get was Gobi.

Bottom line... even if Gobi doesn't win the lawsuit, they have already won the market.

If you just made a flat rack, ie. without rails, I would definitely argue that it is quite different from Gobi's rack in form and function. However, based on Gobi's track record, they would probably try. Because even if they lose the lawsuit they will win by limiting your sales. They are Patent trolls, Plain and simple.

Gobi are a bunch of douche bags & I would never buy one of their products.