Industry Sep 26, 2026
Fender CEO Regrets Stratocaster Design Lawsuits, Seeks "Unique" Guitar Designs
In short
Edward 'Bud' Cole says Fender wants to "help" other brands move away from the Stratocaster design to create something "unique to the naked eye" – but who defines unique?
Originally published by
MusicRadar
Fender CEO Edward 'Bud' Cole has expressed regret regarding the company's past cease-and-desist campaigns targeting Stratocaster-style guitars. Cole stated that Fender's intention was to encourage other manufacturers to move away from designs closely resembling the Stratocaster.
Cole indicated a desire for the industry to develop guitar designs that are "unique to the naked eye." However, the statement raises questions about who defines uniqueness in product design. Originally reported by MusicRadar.