The Trust of Darrell “Dimebag” Abbott has issued a statement regarding the recent summary judgment ruling by a court in Tampa, Florida.

The Trust disagrees with the ruling and believes it conflicts with the clear language contained in the agreement Darrell Abbott signed with Dean Guitars in 2004.

Specifically, the agreement states: “The Company [Dean Guitars/Armadillo Enterprises] shall acquire no rights in the tradenames or designs ‘Stealth Guitar’ or ‘Razorback Guitar’ by virtue of this Agreement.” The Trust believes this language demonstrates Darrell Abbott’s clear understanding and intent that ownership and control of the Stealth and Razorback guitar designs would remain with him.

The Trust points to a Non-Disclosure Agreement executed just two months prior to the 2004 agreement, in which Dean Guitars CEO Elliott Rubinson acknowledged that the Razorback and Stealth guitar designs were created by Darrell Abbott.

Rita Haney, Darrell’s long-time significant-other and representative of the Trust of Darrell Abbott, stated: “The Agreement Darrell signed in 2004 stated Dean Guitars shall acquire ‘NO’ rights in the designs Stealth or Razorback Guitar.”