Traxxas issues trademark infringement notice to TRX-4m aftermarket - cease and desist 

April 12 update: It looks like Traxxas is listening. They have retracted or canceled the Cease and Desist order for Copyright Infringement. They have also published a Guidelines page for what is acceptable trademark use: traxxas.com/traxxas-trademark-guidelines Thoughts?

Thanks for sharing Francis. I would’ve been happy to comply had they gone about it differently. Now I will comply by never posting another positive video about their products and am liquidating all inventory I had related to them. Probably what they want, but I’m going to be vocal about who they are as a company and use whatever influence I have to push companies who build up the community.

I've been in this hobby since a kid when the Grasshopper and Hornet came out. (Look it up) I grew up and actually owned a motorsports aftermarket design and manufacturing business. We did retail and behind the scenes wholesale. I could name products many would recognize right away we designed and manufactured for. I've been there, done that, paid the lawyers on and on. This is IMO absolutely disgusting behavior on the part of Traxxas. I actually had to file suit against someone at one point and know how this game is played. We didn't actually file suit until after multiple attempts to change behavior in a rational, non destructive manner was done. I even called the company/person directly to try and hash things out. This does nothing...NOTHING but hurt the industry and hobby as a whole. This is the final straw for me. I've watched Traxxas do this time and again and it seems they just keep getting WORSE, not better. I will no longer promote, purchase or even talk about Traxxas in any kind of positive light any longer. If we, the community who actually control who rises and who falls don't join in and actively show Traxxas with our $$$ that this will no longer be tolerated we only have ourselves to blame when the hobby and community as a whole suffers. If I had a shop right now, I would return all my Traxxas stock and never sell it again. It will also require us sending a message to Traxxas directly. I know it sucks losing your "favorite" whatever, but unless you want giant corporate interests calling the shots and dictating what you can purchase and controlling what YOU can do with YOUR property we have to do the hard thing and send a message. Ways to contact Traxxas and voice your displeasure. Please remember to speak/write in a mature manner and no foul language. support@traxxas.com , TraxxasBusinessOpportunity@traxxas.com , 1-888-872-9927 If they don't hear from us, they will not stop being bullies and hurting the industry.

I have the original T-maxx, Bandit, Rustler, 1/16 Summit VXL, 1/16 Slash VXL and TRX-4 Bronco. I am not buying anymore Traxxas products from now on. Aftermarket parts are an important part of this hobby. I will put my money into companies that actually understand how this hobby works.

Ridiculous attack on the community by Traxxas. So disappointing.

Over a year ago I vowed to never buy TRX products ever again. This just reinforces my decision.

I have a story I forgot to share in a video. I was at a Socal hobby shop recently, and I asked why they have so many TRX4m upgrade parts but NO TRX4M RTR cars since last year. The owner said, "Oh, we were banned from the TRX4M because we don't sell enough Traxxas batteries." They sell a lot of Traxxas RTRs (but not enough Traxxas batteries and chargers to match the numbers). They don't push the batteries since they are proprietary. So they were tiered down and banned from the TRX4m rtr eligible list. Then they ordered $10k of Traxxas batteries, and all the TRX4m RTR vehicles arrived in crates.

Long time Traxxas fan but this did it for me I'm an Arrma and axial guys now

Time for a boycott. No more Traxxas products for me.

The part that really irritates me about traxxas' aggressive behavior is that their first buggies had parts that were direct copies of other companies' cars

I know I won’t be making anything for or running another traxsuxx on the channel. I was practically a fanboy getting into the game, only living 40 minutes from the headquarters and having most of their bashers. I have the full line of trx-4m parts, like a freaking hobby shop, and multiple rigs. They got all the money and free advertising from me their going to get. Good show, brother! Thanks for sharing.

Scary stuff. I’ve never owned a Traxxas product before but was saving for one of their products. I’m going to stay away now. Thanks for letting newbies like me know what happened! 👍🏻

Great video with really thoughtful points and perspective. It's a shame Traxxas can't focus more on improving their products instead of trying to strong-arm others within the hobby big or small 😔. You'd think their PR people and legal team would realize how important corporate image is to the general public in terms of sales and continued success. Especially, in an industry with so many other options. For a hobby that should represents good times with friends and family, this is another ugly example of corporate greed and monopolistic behavior. The best way to cause change is with your wallet. Maybe if sales drop off enough, these bullies inflicting harm to the industry and it's innovation will realize they have to change their business practices. Just reaching out when there's a "problem" would be a nice start.

Very well said, thank you. I'm a tiny brand, and CNC is my full time job. I design, manufacture and sell my own parts (mostly well known for the CEN 450 parts). I won't bother making any parts for Traxxas, nor will I recommend them to followers, friends or family. I'm sharing this on my IG feed. BTW my last full time job was in the bicycle industry as well, for 17 years and I'm very familiar with Specialized business behavior.

Let me give you a little history on how Traxxas treats others. In 1993 my son and I entered an event called the Worlds. This was held in Detroit. At the time Traxxas had a truck called the Nitro hawk. This truck really had no brake system. The brakes came by way of a lever that pushed against the clutch bell. As the clutch got hot the brakes all but worked. I designed a brake system for the nirto hawk and our little truck could lock the brakes and my son could slide her around corners. Team traxxas saw this and between heats they approached me and asked if they could look at my Nitro hawk I built for my son. My son was maybe 10 at the time. He was gleaming from ear to ear, here team traxxas wanted to look at his truck. I could not say no. If you open any traxxas nitro whatever it is, the brake system you see on those vehicles was designed my guess who. Think I got anything for this? But hell all rc companies rip off each other. Why they all look alike. But RC are suppose to be fun. I just forgot all this and moved on. I love my crawlers today.

Thank you for posting this video, it was very well done. I also want to thank everyone in the hobby who has supported us through this 🤘

"These parts will fit the RCs that must not be named." 😏

When is the last time you have ever seen Traxxas hosting or even having a vendor tent at an RC event. It will always be the smaller companies pushing the hobby forward.

Thank you for bringing more light to this situation. It effected our 4tec Rally Kit. ☹

The whole situation sucks. But thanks for the level headed approach to this situation. Good job Fran!!!👍👍👍

You're quite correct to say that using social media can pressure companies into changing their decisions. For instance, if you and all other RC 'influencers' on RU-vid take a stand by all boycotting showing Traxxas products in your videos then it would likely hit sales of their products and help bring about change.

I was a product manager at ASI (FUJI Bicycles) when Specialized sued (Cafe Roubaix) for using Roubaix in their name. Funny enough, we leased the name Roubaix to Specialized which meant they had no right to force the shop to change their name. We granted the shop the right to keep their name since we owned Roubaix Really hate the big guys strong arming the little guys. Vote with your wallet folks! Great video Francis!

Good call Francis, I plan to vote with my wallet. I was eyeing a TRX-4 kit for my next custom build, but looks like I'll be grabbing a Vanquish Phoenix kit instead. I've purchased many parts from DSM Offroad and hopefully they will make it through this. Their Element and Axial upgrade parts are top notch👌🏽 Everyone in the hobby shouldn't have to suffer because Traxxas throws a fit. These small aftermarket companies are what push the industry forward and encourage competition/innovation.

Thanks for digging in to this.

Gone from Traxxas to Traxxarse. I hope everyone affected can bounce back from this mess.

You're a class act! Respectful tone and well stated. Thanks for representing the hobby community in a positive way.

I completely agree we’ve discussed several times dropping traxxas. Prices are way too high. They know it. I’m moving to axial lol.

Thank you, Francis. This was overdue and you pulled it off with class.

Here's a solution. Call you favorite aftermarket company's sales team and tell them you understand why the site is down but still order the parts you need for your Traxxas vehicle. That way, its still not in violation of trademark because its not on their website and they can still make money off of Traxxas aftermarket parts. Or, do what I do and never buy Traxxas again. I bought the Slayer when it came out. It was great. But, how they do business has left a sour taste in my mouth. They started threatening other RU-vid channels over using their name and more and more sites were starting to get the same treatment. It has been years since I bought anything Traxxas.

Demonstrating you’re the most trusted voice in RC once again. Always an honest opinion and this video is so well put together. Super clear on the issues and what we can do as consumers to help. Thanks once again for your insight.

Thank you for making this video. I wish Traxxas would support small businesses that are trying to make their products better, vs. chipping away at the industry. I was in the market for a Sledge, now looking for a Arrma. My brother just bought a Axial SCXiii last night, over a Traxxas TRX4, based on Traxxas's pitiful attacks on these small businesses. I will definitely be thinking twice about purchasing Traxxas products in the future, especially if they don't' do anything to make this right.

I was Very shocked when I heard what had happened. Thank you for sharing this info. Traxxas Does produce great stuff. But for them to attack the little guy's like this shameful.

It's like Ford suing aftermarket companies for making performance upgrades for the Mustang. Ford draws the line by not warranting the car if it is "modified", but they haven't sued any company for making parts for their cars. I think Traxxas has gone too far here. It's a shame, but I'm selling all my Traxxas cars and buying ARMA from now on. I'm wagging my middle finger at Traxxas.

Thank you for the explanation 🙂 I think it was too aggressive to shutdown their websites and business, instead of contacting them first. I understand why they are mad at Traxxas. The aftermarket is big in this hobby and what many of us talk about too, when we meet. It is sad they did what they did. It's like they don't get that part of the hobby. I will not support that kind of behavior and thereby not buy a Traxxas again, that is for sure 🙄

This just made it way easier to decide on my next RC. It will not be a Tricksus as I prefer the availability, price and variations in aftermarket parts.

Fantastic video, with what I see as great information and insight into what happened. Thank you for making this and sharing it. For me personally, I’ve seen enough leading with legal - and I’m out. Considering the T-Maxx around 25 years ago kicked my RC habit into Overdrive, it’s a tough thing to do for me, but the company has evolved into something I no longer agree with, and refuse to support. Sad, in my opinion, that they have offended so many, with something that could have definitely been handed better. Although they think by holding tight to their aftermarket, it will make them more $, In this case they have offended enough future buyers, that will Not now buy, I would bet over all they Lose big on this one.

You handled this topic very well 👏 👍

I’m surprised that this video hasn’t been shut down! Good explanation, as always, Francis. I’m still pretty new to the hobby and have learned a lot from your unbiased and honest videos! 👍🏼

Aight, I'm done buying stuff from them. Congratulations, Traxxas. This is exactly how you lose customers.

Thanks so much for explaining what is going on here.

Kudos to you Sir!! I don't do crawlers,but am an rc enthusiast. As such, I feel compelled to join the fight. Thank you for shining the light on a dark subject that threatens all rc enthusiasts. There's enough to go around, TRX should be ashamed.

I started with Traxxas back in 2005. But after the years of what has been happening between how this company carries itself. I am at a loss for words. My trust with Traxxas is fleeting.

Thx for sharing this, I stand with the small company's and the great after market parts they make!!!

HUGE thank you for bringing awareness to this situation. A scary time for so many mom and pop businesses in the hobby. This is a nightmare situation for many of our small business friends. I can't help but feel like there are far better ways Traxxas could have handled this situation. I'm very thankful many in the hobby are sharing this information such as yourself. Again thank you. 👍

Traxxas is relying on an ignorance to fair use, trademark, and copyright laws to consolidate the market for themselves. In an ideal world all small companies impacted should band together with a lawyer to fight back, as well as complaining to the better business bureau about this.

Never had a traxxas and now I know why😂

So sad. They Turned a lot of people away. “Think mcFly”

Very well said... Here is another issue that isn't being said. Just because Traxxas wasn't happy and sent out these cease and desist letters, doesn't mean these aftermarket listing were in violation of trademark or copyright laws. And the responses from many assume Traxxas was in the right.

Really nice take on it. I appreciate your level-headed approach.

Thanks for making this video! It takes guts, which speaks to your credibility. I hope consumers respond. I have a trx4m, but I won't be buying any more Traxxas brand parts for it if I can avoid it. Was planning to add a 4tec to my fleet, but definitely not doing that now that I know where my money's going.

Great video as always!! Bad move Traxxas & a childish reaction!! Time for these large corporations to learn that a bunch of little guy companies including the customers is who makes them. Continue to support those that were affected and support the vehicle manufactures that support aftermarket companies & their customers that make their businesses.

Very well said! I’m looking at introducing some Traxxas products in the coming weeks but now very worried about this. They could have handled this 100x better and the response would be completely different! We’ll see how it goes but thank you for covering this important topic and supporting the little guys!

And this is why I'll NEVER buy a Traxxas.

First Traxxas two weeks ago after 45 years in this hobby. Another $800+ in non Traxxas aftermarket. Nothing from Traxxas. We’ll, maybe the front over drive gearing. That’s it. I haven’t even run a single battery yet. It will run its first run completely customized. This puts such a sour taste in my mouth. Thanks for making this known, and for the courage to post this up. Good on you Francis. I enjoy and look forward to the future of your channel.

Yeah Francis!!!!!! Proud of you for making this video. F Traxxas. Let's hope they don't sue you for exercising your First Amendment.

They fail to realize the aftermarket is the only reason I buy Traxxas.

I was looking to pick up a TRX-4 Bronco this weekend. Looks like I won't be giving them any of my money. Ever. The aftermarket and open source hardware is my favorite part of this hobby. If something doesn't have parts support I won't be buying it regardless of how scale or capable it is. Guess I'll be going with Axial. I've loved my SCX24s and they don't abuse their distributors and biggest fans.

I've had enough of it now . My defender and bronco have now been sold . Once the hauler has gone I won't purchase a traxxas product again. Vp all the now

Hey Francis, Knights Ferry Crawler here. Thank you for this information. I have not been paying attention to any social media for months. I’ve always loved yours, and Harley designs, reviews, advice, and inspiration, in building custom crawlers. If it wasn’t for you guys, I never would have attempted to build my 2 LCG rigs last year. They both cost me a total of $2700 to complete, but they are both bad ass!!! Keep up the good work that you do. Still waiting to see you, at the local meet up spot @Knights Ferry, tell Josh to come too!! Bring your most capable rigs..Lmao!!! The weather has been perfect. We’re all just trying to have some fun. Thanks again!!! I appreciate everything you do

Thank you for talking about this. My 4m will be run how it is until it can't be anymore then it'll be used as a decorative piece. I can not support this company personally based solely on principle. This could have been handled so much better, tho given their prior behaviors, but it's obvious the better way to handle this was not on their playbook. Btw their own hopups aren't great and cost way too much so I do hope the aftermarket falls back and they fall on their face....we've waited years for an offering in this smaller scale just for this 👎

I completely agree with what you said. This I think is the final straw for me I don't think I can continue purchasing traxxas products.

Thanks for the heads up. Had the sledge and new high trail ford edition in my sights, but not now! I won’t support a company that bullies a small company like that. It’s disgusting!

My money will never be spent on a T product again. They need to leave Texas and move to NY

Really glad that you made this video. I think a lot of the fun in RC is the aftermarket, customizing and putting your own flair into your builds. It's sad that Traxxas are repeatedly going after these businesses, businesses that I have purchased from in the past and who can't hope to fund a legal battle against a giant bully like Traxxas.

What makes this hobby so great is modifying the cars to our liking. I love buying aftermarket parts and showing my son how to do the work. I’m an Arrma lover so this won’t effect me at all though 😅

Thank you for being willing to dive into a hairy situation. Actions like this can ruin a hobby.

Was debating an axial or traxxas mini crawler (already have an FMS), and this made the decision for me.

Great job Francis, it's a tricy situation... but you did a great job trying to explain the points from both sides. Great job buddy. John

I came across this video as I'm currently researching what to buy and it was down to a TRX4 chassis kit (would've been my first Traxxas) and another brand. Aftermarket products are very important to me so not knowing if I'm going to be able to get the parts I was thinking of for the Traxxas makes it an easy decision - I won't be buying the Traxxas.

I didn’t realize Traxxas was like this I definitely won’t be buying anything Traxxas again

Heck yeah brother! Spread that love and show the bully that we won't be discouraged by their actions. And maybe we can hurt them when they realize their revenue has dropped! Band together and let's keep the little guys aka little guy racing going

Always helpful and informative! Thanks for putting this out there.

The aftermarket parts are what inspire me to by an RC. Without being able to make it my own I wouldn’t buy the product. Tony from CCXRC, Joe Exocaged RC, your channel all provide us with the information and parts we buy as true hobbyists. I have many RC’s just because of what I’m shown in these great videos. Traxxas really should recognize that or they are going to really loose a lot of us.

I have just purchased my first RC TRX4M Defender after some research it looked one of the best to purchase for after market support, the problem we have in the UK is Traxxas don't ship to the UK, so after market parts R a must, like you said they could of handled this much better than they have. SO SAD

Well stated RC review! Excellent coverage on the topic. I can understand traxxas wanting to protect their product and name, but this hobby is about making it yours. That means customization is a large part of this hobby. I think traxxas has "shot themselves in the foot" with this move in the long term. I will start to move away from traxxas products since it will be limited with no aftermarket support. I will encourage others to purchase from other brands from now on.

Traxxas is DEAD to me. I have been in the RC world for over 20 years now and I will tell everyone to not buy anything from Traxxas ever again. Nothing but GREED !!! Shame on you Traxxas !!!

I’ve got a lot of traxxas products, but most of them have aftermarket parts on them. They have good products, but their prices don’t really help out their parts area so to say compared to other companies that actually make better upgrades. This will affect a lot of companies and traxxas especially, because aftermarket is a big part of the hobby. Thanks for highlighting this situation, it’ll definitely change my mind on new rc’s or if I’ll keep my traxxas rc’s.

Appreciate you coming out and speaking your thoughts on this. I hope it assist others to understand the situation

I’m done with Traxxas for sure now!!

Hit it dead on really breaks my heart when stuff like This happens, great explanation really respect folks like you being honest! Keep up with the great videos!

Traxxas just lost my business for good.

That seems like a gross overreach of copyright and trademark infringement to imply when marketing aftermarket parts that certainly influences Traxxas' sales

Well said. I'm with those who are no longer supporting traxxas. This was just handled poorly as a business move.

Sounds like traxxas is greedy

I know everyone complains about these Chinese companies, for whatever reason...political or copyright reasons whatever I don't care, but they will continue to dominate the market even more now with this cease and desist crap...even Traxxas can't shut these Chinese companies down. I've got about $550 worth of Injora and $200 worth of Furitek on my TRX4M, now I'm going to make a point to make sure there are no Traxxas parts left

I was looking at the high trail and trx4m until this, now no way that's happening

Thanks for the breakdown. Never bought their junk, never will.

Traxxas doing traxxas things. Support small business, the hell with traxxas.

I like how Jennys RC now lists Traxxas as Tra :D It's sad. I actually like my Latrax Rally and TRX4 2021 Bronco. I was considering getting a TRX4m for my local hobby shop's upcoming mini crawler course that they've been building. Now I'd rather just pump a bunch of money into an Axial SCX24.

Thanks for clarifying everything! I’ve heard about them in past and this is just plain wrong. I support the small guy and this just reaffirms it!

Thank you for this video. All of our small businesses have contributed to the growth of Traxxas over the years. This is a very heavy handed approach to businesses that have pushed this brand to the top. Simply taking down small businesses that contribute to the community speaks volumes of the brand and leadership. Seems they forgot where they came from and those who supported them..... Our support for this brand will change following this event and circumstances. Thank you again to the loyal customers and community supporting all of the small brands in the industry. Bob - RB Innovations

Excellent video! I also come from the bike industry and was still a shop guy for the Cafe Roubaix incident... Those were strange days for sure. The timing of this probably has a lot to do with the embargo as well. Want to really punish a small business? Wait until they have already committed to ordering their products from Asia. Now all the small parts that are sitting on a dock in San Francisco awaiting the embargo to lift can't be sold.

Sad to see a big company going after small business for trying to make their product better and make a little money. If they didn't want people to upgrade their product they should have built a better one. Awesome video thanks you always have great content and info👍😁

Thanks for sharing and laying it out!

Traxxas is KNOWN for doing this type of business tactics...... Crony corporate code believes competition is unacceptable.......

In 1996. My local hobby shop talked my parents out of a rustler for my first hobby grade RC. I do not understand how that model is still being sold. I've been out of the hobby for the last 15 years or so, and it surprised me how the entire RC scene has changed since then. Hpi and Associated look like ghosts of the past. But Traxxas seems to have become the big dog and is now pushing people around.

Thank you Francis, i was going to get the udr next month when the stock arrive, well i guess i will now get the sbr instead😂

I tried really hard to get a TRX4M but the online ban kept it from happening. With everything I have learned I am glad I didn't and it would have been my first Traxxas.

Thank you for the video. Haven't bought a Traxxas for many years until the TRX4-M came out. Definitely now regret that purchase and won't be spending another cent on their gear..

Great video, Francis. Thank you for making it and discussing this important topic.