Rebranding efforts due to complications with international trademark issues that caused production and shipping delays
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LAS VEGAS, April 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — NAB 2016 — ProDrone, the leading consumer drone manufacturer focusing on power and portability, today announced the immediate change of name from ProDrone Technology (Shenzhen) Co.,Ltd to Global Drone Union (GDU). The decision was made to rebrand in order to bypass an ongoing trademark debate that caused production and shipping delays. GDU will keep the “Byrd” product line with Standard, Advanced and Premium models. GDU will be at booth #C3060DP at NAB in Las Vegas from April 18-21, 2016.
The trademark complications were caused by similar named companies submitting for trademarks days apart from each other, with each company securing trademark rights in different countries. Once the trademark complications became known, the ensuing legal debate halted production of the Byrd product line. Instead of attempting to fight the trademark rights in different countries, ProDrone Technology (Shenzhen) Co.,Ltd decided to rebrand in order to get the widely anticipated Byrd products to customers as quickly as possible.
“We had a choice to either focus on research and development to help solve some of the biggest problems in the consumer drone industry or spend time on frivolous litigation. We chose to do what was necessary to get product into the hands of customers that have been patiently waiting for Byrd,” stated Joseph Haagensen, Community Manager for GDU. “We are renewed in our commitment to the consumers that want a drone that fits their exact needs in power and portability. We are just frustrated that this process has ultimately delayed our production and ability to ship product to already interested customers and distributors.”
Shipments of the Standard Byrd model will resume on May 15, 2016 after the rebranding process has been completed with new logo and other brand oriented changes have been finalized at the GDU factory. Advanced and Premium models will start shipping shortly after the Standard model.
Due to the delays caused by the trademark complications, GDU will offer full refunds to all customers who pre-ordered any model of Byrd.
About GDU
GDU is a fresh, innovative and forward thinking take on the contemporary UAV industry. We fully focus on the comprehensive research, development, design and production of unmanned aerial vehicles and we strive to not only offer concierge style customer service, but a truly fascinating flying experience.
Our young, enthusiastic and energetic team are committed to the cause and we are pushing the boundaries of UAV technology by harmonizing state-of-the-art production with avant-garde industrial design. Our first-rate UAV technology can be utilized across a multitude of different platforms which will change the way consumers interact with drones. Without sacrificing performance, we have managed to create an extremely portable drone which can be folded down into a backpack friendly iPad sized package.