UPDATE: Kudelski’s Trademark Dispute Against Power Metal Band TANAGRA Meets Unexpected Resistance |

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Montreal, QC – February 4, 2020

For fans of Caladan Brood, Blind Guardian, I.Q., Iced Earth, Visigoth

UPDATE: Kudelski’s Trademark Dispute Against Power Metal Band TANAGRA Meets Unexpected Resistance

L-R: Steven Soderberg: Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Christopher Stewart: Drums and Percussion, Tom Socia: Lead and Backing Vocals, Josh Kay: Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Erich Ulmer: Bass Guitar

Photo Credit: Kara Pesznecker Reavis

Last week the news came out that Portland’s Tanagra had newfound legal troubles with Swiss company Nagra / Kudelski Group. For those unfamiliar, Kudelski believes Tanagra‘s trademark interferes with their trademark “Nagra.” Because of the vast legal expenses required to fight the dispute, Tanagra decided to liquidate its merch in preparation for a possible rebranding.

Erich Ulmer from Tanagra talked about the overwhelming support they have received from metal fans around the world.

“We have been astounded at the response; the community is the only reason the corporation is negotiating at all. Fans have come together and they’re saying things like ‘They [Nagra / Kudelski Group] need to drop it completely’ and the community is right. There is no reason we can’t reach a co-existence agreement.”

But it seems that negotiating with the corporation was futile for the band. As reported on Tanagra‘s Facebook page, Kudelski repeatedly offered the same deal, one that would require Tanagra to forfeit all but a portion of their live performance trademark. Upon this announcement, however, a second uproar caught the ears of unexpected allies.

Erich explained that Foundation Law Group has extended their services pro bono, via the trademark expertise of Sevag Demirjian and the support of the CEO of the firm, Armen Martin.

“It turns out there are a couple of metalheads at Foundation Law Group who don’t appreciate the overreach of giant corporations. It honestly feels like Tolkien is writing this.”

With a league of fans howling and their ranks bolstered, Tanagra now stands a chance at maintaining their trademarks.

You can find the band’s Bandcamp here:

https://tanagraband.bandcamp.com

Links to the dispute:
http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=91253546&pty=OPP&eno=1
http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=91253546&pty=OPP&eno=2

Track Listing:
1. Meridiem (11:35)
2. Sydria (4:01)
3. Etheric Alchemy (8:49)
4. Silent Chamber (7:52)
5. Hidden Hand (10:14)
6. Across the Ancient Desert (7:39)
7. Witness (14:19)
Album Length: 1:04:31

For more info:
Facebook.com/tanagraband
Instagram.com/tanagraband
Spotify
EPK

About:

Formed out of the love of science fiction, fantasy, and theatrical heavy metal storytelling, TANAGRA hit the Portland, USA metal scene in 2011 with epic, symphonic, progressive power metal with lyrical content about original fantasy/sci-fi settings, Magic: The Gathering, historical tales, and other nerdy themes.
In 2015, they released their debut album, None of This is Real, an energetic collection of American power metal showcasing their love for complex arrangements and lengthy songs which garnered critical acclaim from a multitude of publications around the world.

In the time following their debut release, the members found a deep love for progressive rock/metal and symphonic black metal, and in writing new material found ways to combine the sounds of bands like IQ, Anekdoten, Caladan Brood, and Borknagar into their existing American power metal framework.

In 2016, TANAGRA entered the studio with the fruits of their labors to begin recording their ambitious second album, titled ‘Meridiem’, which was released April 26, 2019.

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“Progressive Metal fans, rest assured that your 2019 is in good hands as Prog quintet TANAGRA unleashes “Meridiem”. Filled with vibrant melodies, this seven-track record will take you to a breathtaking journey through an eargasmic musical psychedelic.” – Metal Temple

“Meridiem is another jewel in the trunk of America’s continually-burgeoning power metal scene… Tanagra is something to be loved by music fans, cherished by power metal fans and salivated over by fans of progressive metal.” – Last Rites

“I’m thoroughly impressed with this sophomore. It’s a complete transformation of this band into a wholly new form and they’ve earned every single little bit of it.” – Toilet ov Hell

“Tanagra’s Meridiem will likely please and intrigue fans of American progressive power metal, thanks to the band’s ambitious and lightly complex songwriting.” – Danger Dog Reviews

“There’s an ethereal, otherworldly feel in parts of Tanagra’s compositions that gives the music real presence, and the epic nature of the material will raise the hairs on the back of your neck a fair few times if you allow yourself to become fully immersed in the grandeur of it all. Highly recommended!” – Sentinel Daily

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