The Byrd belongs to that unique class of very slick looking drones that you can buy but can’t fly (the Lily being another). The Byrd according to distributors that are carrying the product () , should be available in April of this year. The company states that 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.
GDU will offer full refunds to all customers who pre-ordered any model of Byrd.
According to the company 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.”
Competition is good for the industry. The GDU drones have a compelling design, robust features and is expected to be offered at a competitive price point. Let’s hope we see it in the air soon.
Frank Schroth is editor in chief of DroneLife, the authoritative source for news and analysis on the drone industry: it’s people, products, trends, and events.
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