Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
A Florida court has rendered a summary decision in favour of Armadillo Distribution Enterprises, the parent company of Dean Guitars, Ddrum, and other products, according to a recent news statement, as per theprp. This legal dispute between the communal trust that represents the late Pantera‘s estate and Armadillo Distribution Enterprises, etc. Since 2021, guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott’s song “In Dime We Trust” has been developing. The endorsement agreement between Dimebag and Dean Guitars, which featured several special models and related promotional synergy, was at the center of the controversy. As the years passed, the trust filed a breach of contract lawsuit, claiming that Dean had neglected to uphold a number of conditions set forth in their endorsement agreements for the deceased musician.
In addition, the trust claimed fraud, a violation of Florida’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, unfair competition, fraudulent endorsement, false association, and false designation of origin. Rita Haney, Dimebag’s ex-girlfriend who had been managing his affairs since his death, made this comment when she announced the lawsuit back in 2021.
After much consideration, it is with great sadness that I announce the longstanding relationship between Dimebag and Dean Guitars is over. Unfortunately, we were forced to file a lawsuit against Dean Guitars on Monday, August 16th, for the reason set forth in the complaint that may be viewed at www.dimebagdarrell.com. It was necessary for us to end Dime‘s endorsement of Dean Guitars to continue to honor and celebrate his legacy the way he deserves, and in the way he had laid it out.
We do not make this decision lightly and it is with a heavy heart that we share this news with you, Dime‘s loyal fans. As you know, after signing the deal with Dean Guitars in 2004, Dime was ecstatic to finally be working with the one and only, Mr. Dean Zelinsky, who’s been gone from the company since 2008. Darrell had voiced several times that it was like going home where he belonged. It was something he was enormously proud of.
I have spent days, re-reading through all of Darrell‘s guitar notes, lists, letters, and drawings (some not yet released). knowing Darrell‘s wishes and seeing them written down on paper, once again, after all these years solidifies that he would not have stayed. I want to see Dime‘s words followed through and to have his legacy reach the level he intended.
I made several attempts to amicably settle our dispute with Dean Guitars. however, it became clear to me that Dimebag‘s relationship with Dean Guitars had come to an end when the new CEO of Dean Guitars told me that Dime has been dead for 16 years and they could not make the money they once did.. (so basically, he’s used up???) and then continued on to tell me i should go somewhere else. Well… we will!
Moving forward, our goal will be to ensure the rightful and respectful celebration of Dime‘s legacy and the indelible mark he and his music made on this world. It is with absolute conviction that we say that this can no longer happen whilst continuing to partner with Dean Guitars.
As fans, we hope that you feel as we do. Our love for Dime has not wavered in the 16 plus years since his passing and he is still as relevant to us today, despite what we have been told by Dean Guitars. We want to capture the ‘spirit of the deal’ that was discarded by Dean Guitars, like it should have always been done. In this spirit, we soon hope to have more positive news to share with you regarding the future of ‘Dime guitars.’
Dime loved his fans so very much, in return, you guys have never wavered in your loyalty and love for him. We cannot thank you enough for your continued support. Long live Dimebag Darrell! Getcha pull!
The following information was provided in a press statement published today, April 28, on behalf of Armadillo Distribution Enterprises regarding the most recent development in the case, which saw the court rule in favour of Armadillo on 11 out of 13 counts in a summary judgement.
TAMPA, FL – Armadillo Distribution Enterprises today acknowledges the ruling issued by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in the matter of In Dime We Trust v. Armadillo Distribution Enterprises on Friday, April 24, 2026. The Court granted summary judgment in favor of Armadillo, dismissing the majority of In Dime We Trust’s trademark, fraud, and breach of contract claims, including all In Dime We Trust’s claims regarding the ownership of Dean’s guitar models.
For almost two decades Armadillo was proud to work directly with the Abbott family under a relationship built upon mutual respect, shared purpose, and a genuine love for Darrell Abbott’s music and his love for Dean Guitars.
The United States District Court’s order is confirmation of what we have known all along:
Armadillo‘s ownership of the Stealth and Razorback trademarks, the Razorback guitar design, and related intellectual property was earned through years of prior use and good faith commercial activity.
“We are grateful for the Court’s thorough and careful consideration of the law.”
Pamela Keris, Owner & CEO, Armadillo Distribution Enterprises
