FOR CLARIFICATION: THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO PERSONALLY CREATED OR MODIFIED AXE DESIGNS NOR AXES MANUFACTURED BY REPUTABLE AXE MANUFACTURERS. THIS POST SPECIFICALLY APPLIES TO RESTRICTED AXES AND PIRATED AXE DESIGNS.
Over the past several months we’ve seen an escalation in the amount of knock off axes available on the open market that have made their way into the hands of our affiliates and throwers. These include a brazen theft of designs from reputable companies, including WATL. While we continue going down the legal route with the specific manufacturer in question, we have been forced to escalate the response publicly as well.
Moving forward, WATL will now be enforcing a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for any affiliates found purchasing knock off axes. We have issued several warnings and affiliates have been made aware multiple times through official channels already. In addition to affiliates facing harsh punishment for attempting to purchase and redistribute these axes, we will also be putting rules in place to address individual throwers as well. Any throwers knowingly purchasing and throwing replica axes will be subject to sanctions, including but not limited to: forfeiting tournaments, seasons and and additional suspensions from WATL based on the severity of the infraction.
UPDATE: WATL does not have the right or intent to destroy personal property. Destruction of axes is and was communicated to affiliates as a means to dissolve of inventory of restricted axes.
The World Axe Throwing League welcomes axes from various manufacturers that fall within the specified dimensions of our rules but we cannot stand idle and watch intellectual property and designs be stolen and cheapened.
Every facility and person will be addressed on a case-by-case basis and anyone with questions is asked to send them to [email protected].
For more information please watch the video below.
UPDATE #2: Restricted & pirated axes look similar to the original axes WATL makes, but instead have the logo of a venue on them or a slight modification. In particular, restricted and pirated axes apply to the Butcher and to the Corporal, both of which are unique designs created by WATL. Original axes made by renowned manufacturers have their OWN distinct logo or branding. They are never sold with venue branding on them and are forged steel. Personal axes may be modified as long as they are not a derivative of an already restricted axe – we have always been proud of modifications that our community makes and we want to encourage it.
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