Logos and product copyrights

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Woodchipper

Woodchipper

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Joined
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Cleveland, TN
I have a bunch of old aluminum arrows that I can use for pen blanks. One shows the Slimline tube fits perfectly so epoxy is all that is needed. Covering bases, I called Easton regarding copyrights on their logos and the camo patterns. I was told that camo would not be an issue. However, Easton Archery and subsidiaries each have their own copyrighted logo. Wanted to pass this along. A friend had a small business and got into a lawsuit over a copyright.
 
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Ya, I see a lot of people on facebook lasering logos on stuff. Copywrite is a big deal and alot of people just don't realize that big companies will bring down the wrath of law upon them.
 
Am I understanding correctly that if you take an Easton arrow (that you purchased) that happens to have Easton's logo on it, and turn it into a pen and sell it, Easton is going to be mad at you for using their logo without permission?

Sounds like insanity to me.
 
Anyone remember back in the 70s when someone came up with a hood for a VW beetle that looked like a the signature Rolls-Royce radiator and grill? R-R issued a cease-and-desist real quick. The hood disappeared real quick like.
 
BHuij said:
Am I understanding correctly that if you take an Easton arrow (that you purchased) that happens to have Easton's logo on it, and turn it into a pen and sell it, Easton is going to be mad at you for using their logo without permission?

Sounds like insanity to me.
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Read my first post today. If you use the logo, that is copyright infringement. No, they won't be mad but you will hear from their legal department.
 
What I've found with universities and a couple of pro sports teams they don't care what you do as long as money isn't involved. They like the free advertisement but if you sell anything that's when you're in trouble. Businesses might be different but I'd say it's all about the money. Don't get me wrong I'd probably be the same way if I invested my time and money to peruse a business I'd want to protect my investment. I do a lot of copyrighted things but I don't sell any of them.
 
One aspect of this is that the copyright owner is obliged to defend their rights. If they don't they could loose it. That's a big reason they will come after you even if there's little money involved.
 
I can use the Tennessee "T" logo from a bookstore, online, etc., as the rights have already been paid. Considering some things but I would contact UT for clarification.
From what I have gleaned over the years, Disney is the worst about copyrights. It is rumored that they have people who browse Etsy, etc., for people using Disney logos.
 
Sometimes it is just an over-zealous bot scouring the internet without applying any context and sending daily results to the legal department.

Years ago, we were hosting an event at a hotel and our website included the hotel name and link for discounted reservations. We received a cease and desist letter from the legal department which refused to acknowledge their bot was a bit over-zealous. Our only recourse was to tell the hotel manager to cancel our event and we would go elsewhere unless he took action. The next day, we received an apology letter.
 
It depends.
Technically, if you take a copyrighted or trademarked item—even one you bought—and repurpose it, then sell it, it's an infringement on Intellectual Property or trademark infringement.

Some companies won't allow the least bit.
Others aren't as aggressive.
Most schools charge a fee and must approve the use.
 
GaryMGg said:
It depends.
Technically, if you take a copyrighted or trademarked item—even one you bought—and repurpose it, then sell it, it's an infringement on Intellectual Property or trademark infringement.

Some companies won't allow the least bit.
Others aren't as aggressive.
Most schools charge a fee and must approve the use.
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There is a lot of gray in this area and to avoid issue you need a very thorough CYA paper trail. For example, I have heard from a lawyer that if you were to buy stickers (say Disney) the TM / Licensing Fee has been paid through purchasing the sticker. This means you could adhere it to a pen tube, cast it in resin, turn a pen and then sell it. Knew someone that did something similar with Corn Hole boards. Would go and purchase the stickers and use them on the boards. He made sure he kept all the receipts from the purchasing and tracked them to every board he sold.

In these cases you are not "modifying" the original item which may be a distinguishing fact.
 
RGABEL said:
There is a lot of gray in this area and to avoid issue you need a very thorough CYA paper trail. For example, I have heard from a lawyer that if you were to buy stickers (say Disney) the TM / Licensing Fee has been paid through purchasing the sticker. This means you could adhere it to a pen tube, cast it in resin, turn a pen and then sell it. Knew someone that did something similar with Corn Hole boards. Would go and purchase the stickers and use them on the boards. He made sure he kept all the receipts from the purchasing and tracked them to every board he sold.

In these cases you are not "modifying" the original item which may be a distinguishing fact.
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That makes sense. I think that would be true of college logos, too.
 
When I was working in the graphics industry we would never use a (non client) logo without written permission to do so.

Don't use anyone's logo (other than the clients) on anything you sell, unless you are willing to defend yourself.
 
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