Support CFP

I know California is the latest paintball in crisis lead story what with the potentially all-encompassing not-a-real-gun-looks-like-a-gun law pending but there is also another, similar but on a smaller scale situation in Florida that threatens the state's top tournament paintball site--and a family (and employees) dedicated to our sport. Looking at this week's poll about the Cali situation it's clear that it hasn't grabbed the paintballing public's imagination as, perhaps, it ought. (The current vote total is low average which means the subject is of limited interest to VFTD readers. Why is a different question and open to diverse opinions.) Here in Florida it seems some "neighbors" of CFP (Central Florida Paintball) have filed complaints about the noise and the issue will be addressed by county commissioners in July. For more nuts & bolts details look here and send an email or letter. (Links and instructions provided.) If you are from the central Florida area and can appear at the hearing a large show of solidarity would help give the commissioners an idea of how important CFP is to so many. If you play tourney ball in the southeast you've probably been to CFP. If you've participated in the NCPA Nationals you've been to CFP. If you're a tourney player from Florida you've competed and practiced at CFP. Additionally there is a Facebook page Save CFP you can join to add your voice to those hoping to keep CFP. I know you're a lazy slacker and even a sniff of activism goes against the grain--but take five minutes and take action anyway. Support CFP. Surprise yourself--and make a difference. Thanks.

Fishing or Hunting?

The Ford Report has reported the filing of a lawsuit against JT, K2 & KEE Action Sports by the Blenheim Trust (BVI) Limited. Broadly, the suit involves claims that the defendants used expired patents to inhibit fair competition and that they must have knowingly used those patents. (There's a link to the filed documents at The Ford Report.) On one hand it might be seen as (paintball) business as usual. And, I suppose, to a certain extent that's just what it is. What I find interesting is the involvement of the Blenheim Trust--and some of the language in the lawsuit.

Blenheim has no visible connection to PBIndustry. It is based off shore in the Caribbean and it provides a wide variety of what it calls post incorporation services along with a laundry list of other financial services.

The language of the suit--while not uncommon--leaves open the possibility of naming additional defendants as the process unfolds. In a related curiosity the suit names JT, K2 & KEE but there is no mention of Jarden despite the fact they are part of the chain of ownership that is alleged to have misused expired patents.

Now for the fun part. As a matter of pure speculation it appears that some element of PBIndustry has hired Blenheim to pursue this suit. (Here's a couple more free guesses. Whoever passed the info to TFR is likely the interested industry party. Two, TFR will strenuously deny it, which is fine as it's just a guess.) Is the action of Blenheim in filing this suit a matter of expertise or is Blenheim functioning as a blind? Whatever is going on it's an intriguing change of pace, don't you think?

UPDATE: The kids at the Big Bullet have an interesting take that may shed some more light on the Blenheim lawsuit.

UPDATE II: Two additional, similar lawsuits filed by Blenheim have come to light against Clark Recreation & International Innovation. Perhaps the way to characterize Blenheim is to compare them with The Crimson Permanent Assurance.