Car t-shirts - licensing/trademarks/copyright
Discussion
Well no, I guess that makes sense.
As I see it this leaves us in much the same understanding as before then, and that is that 'to the letter of the law' you should not produce for sale any artwork depicting any shape recognizable as a particular vehicle, however in reality, unless you're doing something to grab the attention of the respective legal teams at each manufacturer, then chances are you'll just be left to it.
Things that grab attention:
1. Using trademarked logos.
2. Passing off as official merchandise.
3. Actively using copyrighted material.
4. Taking business away from the manufacturer by producing a competing product for one of their own merchandise lines.
5. Generally making enough money that it would be worthwhile taking you to court over.
As I see it this leaves us in much the same understanding as before then, and that is that 'to the letter of the law' you should not produce for sale any artwork depicting any shape recognizable as a particular vehicle, however in reality, unless you're doing something to grab the attention of the respective legal teams at each manufacturer, then chances are you'll just be left to it.
Things that grab attention:
1. Using trademarked logos.
2. Passing off as official merchandise.
3. Actively using copyrighted material.
4. Taking business away from the manufacturer by producing a competing product for one of their own merchandise lines.
5. Generally making enough money that it would be worthwhile taking you to court over.
Thanks to everyone for your replies/input. Lexul, if I go down the screen printing route and it becomes a success then I'll be in touch.
It looks to me as if most sellers/artists are chancing it, because no matter where I look there is infringement/trademark/copyright issues, which is what I initially thought.
I'm going to try a similar method to SDITH, which seems to be working well enough for them - state copyright/trademark owner, say the artwork is inspired by (the company), and that the work is in no way associated with (the company). Thanks to Kozy for making me aware of their terms.
In the meantime, if anyone gains permission/authorisation and would care to share how they do it, please get in touch.
It looks to me as if most sellers/artists are chancing it, because no matter where I look there is infringement/trademark/copyright issues, which is what I initially thought.
I'm going to try a similar method to SDITH, which seems to be working well enough for them - state copyright/trademark owner, say the artwork is inspired by (the company), and that the work is in no way associated with (the company). Thanks to Kozy for making me aware of their terms.
In the meantime, if anyone gains permission/authorisation and would care to share how they do it, please get in touch.
I showed Ford's licensing dept. my artwork and they said as long as I didn't use their logo on it then I was free to draw pictures of their cars and they wouldn't intervene. Ariel also said the same, having physically had one of my products in their hands. I am currently extrapolating that out across all models but will adapt it if necessary.
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