Yamaha becomes target as Fender defends Stratocaster guitar design

CompaniesJapanese company put on notice by US brandFender's Stratocaster is one of the world's most recognizable electric guitar designs. © ReutersNikkei staff writersJuly 16, 2026 03:21 JSTTOKYO -- U.S. musical instrument maker Fender has warned Japan's Yamaha to abide by copyright protections for its guitar designs, it was revealed this week, in what appears to be a widening of its efforts to defend its iconic brand.