There has been a rumor going around that Ricoh will stop using Pentax brand name because it will lose the right to it. However, Ricoh has denied the rumor, saying that it will continue to use the Pentax brand when it comes to the camera business.
The rumor first appeared on Pentax Rumors, explaining that the Pentax trademark belongs to Hoya and the right to use it belongs to Ricoh. Reportedly, this right expires in 2020, and this could be the reason why Ricoh doesn’t develop Pentax any further.
However, Ricoh itself has denied this rumor. A Ricoh spokesperson gave a statement to DPReview, saying the following:
“No, [the rumor] is not a fact.
Hoya is the owner of the PENTAX trademark, but there are no restrictions or limitations attached for RICOH to use the PENTAX brand in the camera business.
We will continue to offer the PENTAX brand products including new items.”
A similar rumor was going around in 2017 when Ricoh was said to be killing off the Pentax brand. But both then and now Ricoh officially confirmed that Pentax will live on. Although, we still have to see what new products it will develop under this brand, and when they will be launched.
[via DPReview]
