I recall that Chris Kinman had some problems with DiMarzio when he tried to break the US market several years back.
The double cream issue is one that Seymour Duncan has fought and won in court several times. Each time, DiMarzio would just get another injunction. In the 80's, rumour has it that it almost bankrupted SD on several occassions with the associated legal fees.
As for Mesa, I've heard that they have regeistered a load of Matamp circuit diagrams as their own designs. Still, another reason for staying away. That and the fact VHT build a superior product.
Cool looking pickup BTW.
