Originally Posted by
Commodus
You're making a ton of assumptions here. These guys did not work in product development.
You're assuming that it makes a lick of difference.
There's really no knowing how this will go without knowing the language of the agreement they signed while with Specialized, what specifically Specialized is considering "stolen technical aspects", and how long Volagi can hold out financially. Depending on how you look at it (fortunately or unfortunately), I think that last point is the most relevant. Considering that the preliminary injunction was dismissed, I'd guess that Specialized is indeed, to answer the question, playing the big business courtroom bully card in the hopes that they kill this thing as cheaply and absolutely as possible.
I remember the first time I saw a Volagi it reminded me more of a GT frame than anything else, but it seemed like the first "breath of fresh air" that I'd experienced in the road bike world in quite a while. From a legal standpoint, that means nothing, but I do hope, however, that Volagi gets tons of press over this, Specialized gets negative press, and ends up cutting a hefty check for attorney's fees, even though I do like (and own) Specialized products.
Nevertheless, I seem to remember seeing the phrase "innovate or die" on Specialized frames. This suit comes off as a really repugnant move, and I might remember it next time I buy a bike.