Random thoughts...

Let me start this by stating I've never built any customer rods with copyrighted logos, etc. without permission from the copyright holder.

Seems like every other customer that I've built for would like a rod with their favorite teams logos and colors. While I have no problem with the colors it's the logos I haven't touched.

However, I am curious if any builder has ever gotten into legal trouble by doing this. I've seen so many rods with either corporate or sporting logos on them.

If nobodys gotten in trouble, maybe one-off rods aren't worth a companies time to pursue, other than an occasional cease and desist letter. A line of production rods might be another issue altogether.

Any one care to share their experiences...either good or bad or indifferent?

Thanks,
Chad Huderle

Huderle Custom Rods
Prior Lake, MN

been there and have done that

I would not worry about it The fishing Rod Police are on Vacation

Bill - willierods.com

I'm listening....

I have done a couple of theme rods. No logos...exactly. I use different fonts in the same pattern and color, but not a direct copy. I did a Twins theme rod and put TC in the butt in Times New Roman and no one even noticed the difference.

I don't think it really matters until you start selling their logo. Like a Vikings logo would make me any money on a rod... ;) Anyone want to buy a McNabb jersey?

Chad - take a look at the Mudhole Jersey Skinz. Cool idea!

Chuck

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane

If you know it is a trademarked logo, phrase, etc. don't do it ... it is just that simple. Who cares if the "fishing rod police" are on vacation - it is a moral issue, not just a legal one.

Jim Gamble Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you know it is a trademarked logo, phrase, etc.
> don't do it ... it is just that simple. Who cares
> if the "fishing rod police" are on vacation - it
> is a moral issue, not just a legal one.

Exactly. You can theme the rod with the team colors, and put the client's name on in the proper font, and it will be clearly represent your team without bending any rules.

Chuck

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/02/2011 04:30PM by Chuck Mills.

I don't think there is a problem, if you buy the logo / decal, since your paying them for it. ?
Teams sell the decals. That's what I assume they are for, to put on things.
Jeff

Chuck,

I've seen those Jersey Skinz and I really like them.

And speaking of moral dilemmas, I've got and upcoming request for a Packers rod! ;)

Oh well, I made myself a Vikings rod a couple years ago and I have yet to catch the "big one" with it . ;)

Chuck "and put the client's name on in the proper font..." I've been so focused on the usage of the logo that I've never even thought about just putting the name on with the proper colors. (i.e., Minnesota Vikings using verdana font and purple/gold colors but no logo or "Vikings" font is used). You may be onto something there.

Thanks,
Chad Huderle

Huderle Custom Rods
Prior Lake, MN



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/02/2011 04:39PM by Chad Huderle.

Jeff Davis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't think there is a problem, if you buy the
> logo / decal, since your paying them for it. ?
> Teams sell the decals. That's what I assume they
> are for, to put on things.
> Jeff

That's my thinking on the subject. Mud Hole sells college logos for that exact purpose. So those are licensed decals. There are a couple of places you can buy eyeblack stickers with college logos, and MLB logos. NFL stickers are very tightly controlled, so I don't mess with those. But if there is a licensed decal product being sold, I don't see a problem with a fan buying a licensed decal and having a builder put it on his fishing rod.

Now, that is what common sense tells me, but is it legally accurate as well? Opinions?

the team or company or whoever made that name for themselves and their following. they have paid their dues and i respect that. i don't want some knockoff putting my name on something i didn't approve(not that anyone would). if it is a licensed logo like the college teams that mudhole sells then that is ok because the proper fees have been paid. otherwise just respect it and move on. you can still use team colors and be creative without stepping over the line

hay

I got a bridge for sale Doooo

I would think that unless you are selling like 1000 rods with logos on and then maybe you may have trouble Think MudHole gets in trouble

Bill - willierods.com

I suspect Mud Hole has already done their homework and is in compliance with whatever is necessary in order to be able to produce and sell those decals.

................

Like I said -- Unless your building several thousand rods with logo's on and mas marketing them

Don't worry You will have a hart attack or ulcers

Bill - willierods.com

john timberlake Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> the team or company or whoever made that name for
> themselves and their following. they have paid
> their dues and i respect that. i don't want some
> knockoff putting my name on something i didn't
> approve(not that anyone would). if it is a
> licensed logo like the college teams that mudhole
> sells then that is ok because the proper fees have
> been paid. otherwise just respect it and move on.
> you can still use team colors and be creative
> without stepping over the line


GREAT... Now I need to recall my Sticks and Bones series of rods......

Chad & all - Here's a shot of a MN Twins theme rod.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane

I am going to sell about 700-800 of the finest "Willie Rods" in the country. He doesn't mind ... it is only several hundred, not several thousand. Any orders?

They well be the Finest in the Country

What's my commission

Bill - willierods.com

One can use licensed logo decals like "finger nail stickers" without worry.

It's far better to be creative with "licensed" reproductions than to have to worry about a "cease and desist" letter or worse.

If one should recreate a copy protected logo for personal use only, they probably wouldn't run into problems but one rod sale with the same could land one in court in a hurry! Pro sports teams and corporations don't keep attorneys on retainer for nothing and if one thinks the rod police are NOT on the hunt then they are, shall I say, well, misinformed at best. When money changes hands "damages" can be incurred and I would not want to be the one to pay those damages! Would you? I thought not.

Recently, I was sent some weaving patterns of a few of the Looney Tunes cartoon charactures to be posted on my website "free" to all who would like to use them. I had to say thanks but no thanks. Even "free" and no money changing hands it's possible I could be found complisit or what ever they call it.

Besides, I have found that in some instances, if one tries, one CAN obtain permission from the license holder. Or, like already said, being creative with already licensed products will fill the ticket and keep one out of any hot water.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

One rod can absolutely be enough. I know someone that designed a Harley-Davidson rod for a charity event - all with borrowed logos. HD considered a new and unlicensed product and it wasn't pretty. A certain fast food chain is currently suing a fellow for using "Eat More Kale" as his slogan.

No one here would appreciate copyright or patent infringement. It isn't supposed to be about "what you can get away with", it is supposed to be about what is morally right. Don't steal, there isn't such a thing as a little bit dirty.

College book stores sell a lot of stickers that are licensed, if you're after a college team. It's easy to find the stores on line.

I think the question then becomes are you allowed to make a profit off such licensed logos. My gut says no. If the logo is being placed on a rod and sold for a profit then it is no longer licensed as is. Permission must be attained for you to make a profit using their trademarked/copyrighted logo.

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL