A rumor had spread over the past few days, not officially confirmed, that Ricoh would lose the right to use the Pentax brand by 2020, resulting in the manufacturer's change in strategy. The Japanese company, however, clarified the story, disproving the previous rumors substantially.
Ricoh has specified, as reported by DPReview, that the Pentax brand continues to belong to Hoya but that the rumors that they want the relationship to end and the possibility of exploitation in the cameras sector are groundless.
In particular, we read in the words expressed by a company spokesman that "No, (editor's note: the rumors) are not a fact. Hoya owns the Pentax brand, but Ricoh does not impose restrictions or limitations on the use of the Pentax brand in the camera industry. We will continue to offer Pentax brand products including new products." Instead, the company's statements would point to some news in the months ahead, even though the roadmap information remains scarce.