Per a new press release issued by Armadillo Distribution Enterprises, the parent company behind Dean Guitars, Ddrum and more, a Florida court has issued a summary judgement in their favor. This legal battle between Armadillo Distribution Enterprises and the collective trust representing the estate of late Pantera, etc. guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott, In Dime We Trust, has been brewing since 2021.
At the crux of the dispute was an endorsement deal Dimebag and Dean Guitars had previously struck that included a number of custom models and associated promotional synergy. The trust would claim that Dean failed to honor several terms established in their endorsement agreements for the late musician as the years went on, and went on to sue for breach of contract.
The trust also alleged unfair competition, false endorsement, false association, false designation of origin, a violation of Florida’s unfair and deceptive trade practices act, fraud and more. Announcing the suit back in 2021, Rita Haney, ex-girlfriend of Dimebag who had been overseeing his interests since his passing, commented:
“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!”
A press release issued today, April 28th, on behalf of Armadillo Distribution Enterprises offered the following on this latest development in the case, which has seen the court side with Armadillo on 11 of 13 counts in a summary judgment:
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
If you want to get deep into the weeds on what exactly transpired with this new ruling, you can find a copy of this summary judgement over at uscourts.gov.
