DEBRIS.COMgood for a laugh, or possibly an aneurysm

OAO Oktava, the Russian microphone manufacturer, has issued a press release to counter claims made in this space by UK vendor Oktava Ltd (see response from Oktava Ltd on MK 012 mics from China, which itself was a response to my initial story, counterfeit Oktava microphones at Guitar Center?). The full press release is http://oktava.tula.net/news/reliz_eng.htm (local mirror).

I’ll excerpt the parts specific to Andy McKay’s claims:

The Oktava Limited(A&F McKay)’s allegations that the microphones produced by OAO Oktava have not been developed by OAO Oktava, are false. The OAO Oktava microphones, in particular the MK-012 and MK-219, have been produced by OAO Oktava since the 1980s, and their predecessors were the models MK-18, MK-011, produced in the 60s-70s. Oktava Limited(A&F McKay)’s statement that the design of microphones was developed and/or is an intellectual property of Oktava Limited(A&F McKay), has no foundation since that firm was established much later.
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In 2004 Oktava Limited(A&F McKay) lost its distributor’s rights because it unlawfully used our trademark “Oktava” and violated numerous contract terms.
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OAO Oktava did not grant Oktava Limited(A&F McKay) any rights to manufacture copies of its products or use its trademark.
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OAO Oktava is not responsible for the quality of copies made in China or in any other part of the world. Microphones or any other products not produced by OAO Oktava, Tula, Russia, do not have the OAO Oktava’s guarantee and will not be serviced by OAO Oktava.

So, I think we’ve fully arrived at a point where the most basic facts are being contended. I remain steadfast in my lack of interest in the terms of the contract between OAO Oktava and Oktava Ltd., but if anyone has any substantive evidence of who designed the MK-012, I’d happily publish it.

Update: believe it or not, there’s a part IV.