Trademark Fraud - Bead On It!

[@snkychks1579]

I will never buy anything from that company again. Shame on you Bead On It!! It's a freaking board...and way, WAY too expensive one for what it is!

[@mrister1959]

good for you, stand up for your friend! I recently began beading because I'm mobility limited. it has help me fill my days with some thing to do since I can no longer garden, go walking, or even window shopping. I saw one of those bead on it boards and went in search of it, when I found it I was shocked at how expensive they were, been trying to figure out how to design my own and make it to fit for me while I sit in my reclined recliner working on my beading. it's outrageous that someone would tell someone they can't replicate something they have made, guess Chevrolet needs being sued since Ford was actually making cars first! LOL

[@jenjen7594]

I love this video! What my kids call "Copyright Nazis" are a pet peeve of mine. I help run a local beading group and fought to keep the freedom to share beading knowledge without worrying about copyrights. I almost quit the group when this was threatened. If everyone worried about copyrights to this extent, the arts would die out. Videos like yours, Sara's, and your friend's are how new people are introduced to beading--you all help to bring beading FOR FREE to a lot of people. Crafting should be available to everyone, not just those who have a lot of money. And we should all be free to make whatever works for us. The maker of that board should look at things from a different perspective--the very person they were threatening actually brings them potential future customers.When I saw the price of their boards I said "Well, they can just go screw themselves"--haha. Maybe people wouldn't be making the boards for themselves if they were priced reasonably. They don't seem to be a PART of the beading community--just trying to price gouge the beading community.

[@karenmc4592]

Thank you TC for supporting her. She is a sweet heart. let us know what you find out.

[@plants4life7]

Best video ever. I love that you stand up against people like that.

[@GinasGemCreations]

I just made a video showing off my Bead On It Board that I got from Potomac. I wish I had seen this first. I didn't know they were messing with R. Oh! That makes me mad!

[@CatherineSTodd]

So sorry to hear that this wonderful woman has passed away. She will be missed!

[@mommymoses2003]

your right what she is doing is putting fear on people who wants to do better by making things to give or sell . we all need an extra income.

[@MsLostnThought]

I know who you are talking about too, very sweet person. I wanted one of those boards so bad! I tried making my own and it turned out ok, but not as well as hers. I was hoping at the very least she could show us how her husband made those so we could make our own. I already refuse to buy one from Bead On It before because of the ridiculous price but I really wouldn't buy one now even if they offered them for $1. I would think at the very least all they could do would be to trademark the name. As long as your friend didn't copy exactly how they put theirs together and called it something else they would in no way be committing any copyright infringement. Call it the Beading Board, Beading Buddy, Beading Pal, Bead Buddy...just not a Bead On it Board. Hell if it were me and I wasn't violating any copyright or infringement laws, I'd be showing everyone how to make it just to piss them off. Greedy people. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm all for people making money, but you don't have to try and make a killing off the little people's backs. The hobbyist can't afford to pay that kind of money for a beading board, it's stupid expensive. I know what I have in mine and how much time it took, $118 (on sale) for an 11x17 is a rip off!

[@CatherineSTodd]

I have made these with plywood and upholstery chenille, and also with VELUX beading mats. We have stuffed the velvet tube bumper, but it was all a bit tedious to do. I'm wondering about using spray glue for upholstery chenille or VELUX (cut up an old blanket perhaps, or beading mats?) and glue it down on a plastic tray or cake plate. Could we use a foam tube of some kind that could be more easily covered with fabric for the bumper? What might that be? I think this would be really easy to make. Any ideas out there? We make them for free for all the indigenous Mayan Indians we work with, who do the most beautiful beadwork in Guatemala. They love the 12" round ones, since they said the beading thread got caught on the corners of rectangular or square boards. It's a God send for these artisans since they have very little free table space and a lot of children in the same room, so their work doesn't get spilled on the floor or can be put up at any time. If anyone has made a bead board using a plastic tray? I think I saw a video here on KZbin and would love to know if others have tried making their own.

[@CatherineSTodd]

What a great idea! See what dianne peaslee wrote 7 months ago: Can I sue them? I've got a "beading board" I've been using since about 2000. I made it from a Tupperware picture frame which I padded with the "guts" from a steering wheel cover and the "board" is some velvet fabric. I was using it way before they were a company.

[@Puchi630]

If diy projects, life hacks, and having the knowledge to avoid spending ridiculous prices, personally they can't touch her... it makes no sense... sue for harassment, and for defamation. These corporate aholes are horrible. Things will be fine.. have some tea.. relax.. I'll never order from them.. you have your fans support. Stay Blessed.

[@Melkeller3628]

If I was you I would help my friend pursue this and sue the living shit out of them! I apologize for the swear word. And I don't and will not buy anything from them. I would also see if there is a way to boycott the company.

[@sweetbamabelle]

Attempts at price-fixing and suppression of competition are addressed in The RICO Act.

[@mrister1959]

BTW, I'd like to know how she made her board also! Heck for the right price, I'd pay her for one.

[@lindalowney1404]

Way to go, I too was upset about the bullying when your friend mentioned it after trying to give away the prototype. I really admire people like you and your friend who share that awesome talent with the rest of us. Shame on those greedy people.

[@diannepeaslee2280]

Can I sue them? I've got a "beading board" I've been using since about 2000. I made it from a Tupperware picture frame which I padded with the "guts" from a steering wheel cover and the "board" is some velvet fabric. I was using it way before they were a company.

[@CatherineSTodd]

dianne, this is a great idea! Using a steering wheel cover "guts" and a Tupperware picture frame (what does that look like?). Wow. Fantastic!

[@debbiecarney1724]

I know who your talking about, I agree nicest person out there. Good luck with this :)

[@dawnhill2508]

I am in total support of you suing them! rip em apart!!!!

[@diannepeaslee2280]

So, how many people have complained to the US Patent office about this issue?

[@lorrainebrooks6934]

Also, most patents run out after 7 years, which then allows anyone to make the same product to sell.

[@cathijohnson5867]

I think I know who you are talking about. she is a wonderful lady and not a dishonest bone in her body. I love her!!!!!

[@rverk47]

where can I buy one from your friend not from bead on it?

[@sweetbamabelle]

Oh, you had better believe I am sharing this! I have a friend who has an awesome bead shop. She doesn't carry the beadonit board but she will see this and will never carry it! Is Potomac Bead the only retailer to carry that product? If so and if it were my company, I would drop that product like a hot potato. And, to be sure, I will NEVER purchase a product of any kind from P Bead Company again. Everyone of "us" should contact Potomac Bead and tell their customer service dept that the person(s) affiliated with Beadonit Boards is trying to strong arm a fellow bead crafter. Really!

[@tsummerlee]

No. These are carried by several stores in the U.S. and a few in Europe. (Does that qualify as a RICO violation? Maybe. Fraud is fraud.)

[@tsummerlee]

No. These are carried by several stores in the U.S. and a few in Europe. (Does that qualify as a RICO violation? Maybe. Fraud is fraud.)

[@tsummerlee]

+C Nei Post it here, or I'll consider you a liar.

[@sweetbamabelle]

+TCBeads Yes, if you did find the info you referred to, you should share it here.

[@tsummerlee]

+C Nei That link is crap. "This search session has expired. Please start a search session again by clicking on the TRADEMARK icon, if you wish to continue." I've already contacted an attorney.

[@maryclark3792]

IS the board your friend makes the same materials as the " one claiming?" IF not and the shapes are different, it is NOT the same board that they claim to make! That is just my opinion. I am not a lawyer either. You are the first beading person I followed 3 years ago, and I feel that your friend should contact the FBI. Sue the hell out of these people, they will NEVER get my business!!!!!I have been a victim of bullying for 3 years and cannot get legal help. I hope your friend and you remain strong and fight back!

[@diannepeaslee2280]

EXACTLY. With copyright items I believe every "ingredient" needs to be the same. Here in Maine a friend is fighting with a fairly major company over an herbal remedy. They want her to stop using the name claiming they "own" it UNFORTUNATELY there are references to it in books that are 100+ years old. If you think about it there are very few "new" ideas in the world. I was watching television about a year ago and saw a commercial for a plastic handle with hooks on it making you able to carry many full grocery bags in one trip. I knew I had seen them before and when I went into our storage barn found 2. They were about 30 or so years old and made of aluminum instead of plastic.

[@CatherineSTodd]

Mary, you can use the same "shape" and not be sued. Often times you can use the same materials! Otherwise how would toilet paper, tools, pans and plate manufacturers stay in business? There are only so many shapes and materials that can be used to make useful items, and one person can't claim to "own" it all. The threats made against the person who made their own beading board seem way out of line. I'd hire a lawyer to write Bead On IT! a letter in response and go from there. It's a criminal offense to make these claims when they aren't true.

[@valu1827]

Catherine- You are correct. Toilet paper, tools, pots and pans are all utilitarian items that can’t be patented. This is one such item.

[@elainepearson5878]

I also know who you are talking about, such a lovely lady, she doesn't need this drama for trying to help others! There are lots of people making these, using oven pans and steering wheel covers.....I haven't heard of any of those people getting threatening copyright letters......shame on you on you Bead-on-it!

[@laurielarson7255]

Good for you....I would have done the same. Shame shame on BeadOnIt. Her boards are way to expensive anyway. Sue her , she is a beawch. I wish the people who retail them would stop. We have to figure out how to get the word out to them. Sue them sue them....nananana booboo

[@shazritson6499]

oh my goodness some people are so greedy and wish I'll intent on others. how have these people got away with this for so long. bead on it need a kick up the a..... tell your friend not to worry they are trying there luck, maybe your friend hasn't been the first they have done this to. and what goes around comes around as karma is a bitch. hope you and your friend are OK and my thoughts are with you both.

[@RedMandMs]

I see you got 9 thumbs down, from "Bead-On-It" no doubt. lol! I like it that you're sticking up for your friend.

[@tsummerlee]

Yeah. It's funny they think it should bother me. Every view counts! lol

[@marisolcatts3013]

The lady from Bead on it, is a beading meanie!!!!

[@tsummerlee]

lol, yes!

[@tammyambrose6977]

Shit on it board! Bead on it board! Either way, all you're getting is a load of crap lol. Mean people suck and it's nice to hear somebody like you to take the time out to stick up for us "little" people. I really hope a lawyer takes your case, even if it's to let them know that just because they are a "company" doesn't make them smarter then you or I and they cannot act like jack asses to people! Keep on fighting girl!

[@CatherineSTodd]

After a lot of looking, searching and reading through comments, I think I found the remaining piece of the puzzle. The Trademark application was denied as it was "abandoned" (i.e. "not completed") as far as I can tell. See the response from the UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO). tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn86949484&docId=OOA20160706143431#docIndex=2&page=1

[@1Sweetness]

I agree with you

[@1962dkd]

Preach on sister!

[@Partial212]

what happened?

[@SDTK]

You can copyright designs as long as they are in tangible form. But making a working model of a design is NOT copyright infringement. For example, I can design a car of the future and draw up the blueprints. If someone were to copy the BLUEPRINTS then that would be copyright infringement. If someone were to take those blueprints and make a working mcar of it, then it wouldn't be copyright infringement.

[@tsummerlee]

Not every design is accepted for copyright protection. Logos, yes. A fabric covered piece of wood. Probably not.

[@tsummerlee]

Also, utilitarian objects, like tools, don't qualify for copyright protection. This defiantly qualifies as a "tool," or "useful object."

[@lorrainebrooks6934]

The Original " Bead On It Board " does have a patent and are made in the USA. I know the lady making the other boards and she actually is safe from being sued now because her style is now totally different.

[@echoandmeaservicedogslife3300]

I also know who you're talking about your friend that made the bead board very wonderful person I'll tell you one thing bead on it sure doesn't want you as an enemy LOL

[@CatherineSTodd]

Please give us an update, anyone! This situation really does bear pursuing and is VERY upsetting to us all. What a terrible thing to do to someone else. Bead On It! has really overstepped her bounds.

[@dawnhill2508]

Stacy T you're wrong!

[@amyweinstein1740]

ignorance is no excuse

[@rosaelinav8036]

Hi my friend TC Beads, I wanted to ask you about your friend who make these bead board, I like the idea of having the beads on there little box! Really help! Do you know her KZbin name, so I can order one from her! Thank you so much. And go for it, and fight these peoples you are talking about!! I always buy my beads at the jewelry's craft store. So I don't really know those trouble people. Blessed to you and your friend!✨🙏✨

[@amyskeen-mcinroy189]

I follow Mrs. R as well. Love her but that's beside the point. Bead on it, show proof or shut the heck up. I hope enough people see this that karma puts Bead on it in thier place.

[@simplyannod4146]

What a shame. A ton of people have made their own DIY versions. I know I did just because the "real deal" was way too expensive. I'd rather spend that money on beads ;)

[@tsummerlee]

I contacted one "competitor " on Etsy to inquire if they've ever been threatened by BOI, haven't heard back.

[@peggymiller100]

there is a site on utube her name on utube is silaba crafts . the name of the video is silaba crafts- deluxe beading trays-autumn/winter selection any way she has all kinds of boards similar to this??????????????

[@peggymiller100]

MSWshop on etsy has some

[@DanielleComesBack]

I believe I know who you're referring to. She's awesome! Bead on it boards are stupidly expensive and make me want to gag when I see some high falutin' bead instructor using one.

[@CatherineSTodd]

The beading instructors get them for free to promote buying from the company that is threatening others. So wrong.

[@DanielleComesBack]

Isn't it such a tragedy that TC was such a staunch advocate and we lost her within a few months after she posted this. I miss her so much!

[@activeincolorado]

i hope she has kept the contacts sounds like you can add harassment and bullying to your claim. i say go for it and if you need funds s yt? art a go fund me board i know of quite a few artists that would gladly donate

[@tsummerlee]

Application declined... boo boo tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn86949484&docId=OOA20160706143431#docIndex=1&page=1 Don't lie to people. Never works out.

[@reddoorbeads3715]

Registration is refused because the applied-for mark merely describes a purpose of applicant’s goods. Registration is refused because the specimen does not show the applied-for mark in use in commerce in International Class 020. Trademark Act Sections 1 and 45, 15 U.S.C. §§1051, 1127; 37 C.F.R. §§2.34(a)(1)(iv), 2.56(a); TMEP §§904, 904.07(a). Specifically, the current specimen of record is merely provides contact and fire safety information about the goods, but does not show use of the applied-for mark in connection with the actual goods.

[@AbsyntheRain]

I found this today ... if I'm reading it correctly, the application is dead. tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4808:445hhk.2.1

[@stitchesbeyond1870]

I am so sorry for your friend. I too will share this, a stolen idea copywriten or not is still stolen... Not fair, not right, and I will not buy it.

[@ahenzeaccessories]

you sounded hurt just from the beginning.

[@tsummerlee]

I am hurt. It's hurtful to know people can be this awful to others.

[@reddoorbeads3715]

can you please send me a picture of the entire label i would really appreciate it.

[@ahenzeaccessories]

TCBeads - maturity,is knowing,all the people on earth are different and for that matter,won't handle you the way you do...And for the peace you deserve, please let it go. You've won.

[@calirazpotnik6868]

shame on them yes and I thought their stuff was way over priced to begin with for the larger sizes and was a mistake over $100. The money they charge for items that can be made soich cheaper yes shame on them and on that note one last thing to say is karma in due time it will happen.

[@tsummerlee]

The price really isn't the issue, really. Lying about your product to to keep the price artificially high and to deceive competitors is.

[@stacyt814]

unfortunately it is register trademark. i just looked it up and the number is 86949484. the description is very general an upholstered craft board with a bumper used for bead work. i know a local store that does carry a similar product for sale and prices similar to the bead on it board without issue. the internet is a bigger stage which is what brought attention to this however if there is no intent to sell there shouldnt be an issue. i think the issue is that she showed others. we can all figure it out on our own but the knowledge sharing is probably what put her in the line of fire. the link that was provied by a previous commentor was correct and i was able to find the trademark number. at this stage it is probably best to state your case but there are no grounds to sue them.

[@tsummerlee]

This is a lie coming from a sock puppet. This product has no protections, and never applied or paid for any protections. Remind me to block you when I get home, puppet.

[@stacyt814]

Wow i am surprised by your comment as well as your refusal to find the information i did. Not to mention the name calling as i am not a sock puppet. I am someone who wanted to find the information for myself and i did. I provided that information to you so that both you amd Mrs. RL will have what is needed. I provided my opinion on the situation after getting my information in a non combative way and you have chosen to attack my character when you do not know me. You did the same when another person commented that they found the same information. I apologize that you are clearly offended by the fact that there is a patent number. The way the owner of the patent handled things probably could have been done better. But i stand by my opinion and the singular fact i presented. In future i would appreciate the courtesy of respect.

[@stacyt814]

tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=searchss&state=4801:pw9ntl.1.1 is the link to the page. type in bead on hit enter and see what you find. or block me because you do not want anyone to know the information there including yourself. have a blessed day.

[@RubyMLockwood]

And here is her refusal for a Trademark..check it out and pay attention to dates.. tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn86949484&docId=OOA20160706143431#docIndex=1&page=1

[@stacyt814]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to me directly and address this. Your family remains in my prayers. Have a blessed day.