Metal Anarchy

In 2021, the estate of the late Dimebag Darrell Abbott (Pantera) filed a lawsuit against Dean Guitars after accusing them of breach of contract, “unauthorised and fraudulent trademark registrations” and more. However, the court have since issued a summary judgment in favor of the manufacturer’s parent company Armadillo Distribution Enterprises.

The following was said in a press release:

“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”