I have an order to build a 12 ft surf rod. The customer wants it done in Pittsburgh Steelers colors ( black and gold ). He also wants a team logo on the rod. 1st question is does this break any copyright laws? Second, if not what would be the easiest way to do this. Only needing a single logo it doesn't seem like a decal would be cost effective with set up fees. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
HAGO!
Joe

One of the builders here had a problem with this a while back. Yes, it does break copyright laws if you use the logo on a for sale rod. I think you could use it on a personal rod which you do not profit from. I'm really not sure about this though.

If it were me, I'd figure out a butt wrap to put those 3 diamonds on the helmet, onto the rod. That MIGHT not be a copyright infringement, I dunno.

IF you can get written permission, you're ok. I've built two team rods so far.

DR

Have the customer purchase the decal himself from a sports trading card shop, with a receipt. I've done a few of these using vinyl bumper stickers and a little creative cutout work with an x-acto knife. Depending on the team, most bumper stickers will have a logo or a helmet image in it somewhere small enough to fit a rod.
When a legit team bumper sticker is purchased it will have a silver foil hologram with a serial# and a logo(NFL, NBA, NHL,....etc...) on the back stating "officially licenced", or "proof of purchase". This along with the purchase receipt should be kept with your copy of the customers work order or or records as proof that the logo was purchased through the right channels, and not unlawfuly reproduced.
The way I see it, at the point of retail purchase of the sticker, any royalties will have been paid for by the printer of that single logo, hence the little serial numbered hologram sticker stuck on the back of the product(...which ironically, cost more to produce than the product its stuck to..lol.) If the customer purchases the sticker, he has the option to stick it anywhere he wants to..his car, boat, tool box......or his new fishing rod...thats the whole point and purpose of the product to begin with. In this case, you are not using the logo to sell the rod. Its highly unlikely this will be an issue with anyone. Worst case scenario; If for some reason it does beome a problem with one of the copyright owners, a ''cease and desist" order will certainly be issued by the leagues attorney...then simply comply and stop doing it.
If you were to purchase a copyrighted logo, and incorperate it into a rod and display it, or advertise it for sale, using the logo's appeal to sell the rod...then your asking for trouble. Worse yet, if you reproduced the logo and used it to sell your product.
This, of course, is just my opinion based on very limited research, and casual conversation a few of my customers who have dealt with similar issues, or are attorneys.