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| Serial origamist Has Achieved Nirvana  |
I have an IP question. Let's say there is a comedian, Mister Raspberry, who has been performing since about 1970. As part of his persona, he wears a ridiculously wide, brightly colored tie. At his shows, he sold his silly ties in the lobby (although, they were just folded and stitched, there was no logo or label on the tie). To this day, even in semi-retirement, he wears his silly tie everywhere he goes. He inspired a generation or two of followers. Now, let's say someone is organizing a comedy show. Someone on the organizing committee wants something for the volunteers to wear to make them immediately identifiable as volunteers and officials running the show. Someone suggests, "hey, let's make a bunch of Mister Raspberry silly ties for the volunteers!" The ties would be similar to, but not identical to an actual Mister Raspberry tie. The event is not selling the ties, just making a bunch for the staff. As an aside, there is a possibility that Mister Raspberry himself may attend the show, strictly as a member of the audience. Does the event have an intellectual property, copyright, or trademark concern?
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Has Achieved Nirvana |
I have a very clear answer, and I’m certain it’s right: I don’t know. | |||
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| Serial origamist Has Achieved Nirvana |
I appreciate and respect anyone who uses those three little words. I used to have Mister Raspberry's e-mail addy. I can't find it. I have his phone number. I am going to try to call him later today.
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Has Achieved Nirvana |
I’m not a lawyer, but if you aren’t selling them, I can’t see why there would be an issue? You are allowed to dress up in costume as anybody you like.
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JodiHas Achieved Nirvana |
Jodi - imagine a conference handing out knock-off Disney characters to all their attendees. Pretty easy to imagine getting a nasty letter from a Disney attorney at a minimum. To the original question, I agree fully with Quirt on this. Calling the guy seems to be the right way to go.
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| Has Achieved Nirvana |
Yep on all counts. | |||
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| Serial origamist Has Achieved Nirvana |
Mister Raspberry answered my text haling him. I sent him the question. I'm waiting patiently for a response.
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| Serial origamist Has Achieved Nirvana |
Well, I have a series of texts. Mister Raspberry says "you can't copyright clothing" (not sure the New York fashion designers would agree), and he borrowed the original from another source. He said he still has the "rights" to sell them at shows, but he's totally cool with us making some for our staff. He even sent me the dimensions and a few pictures.
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| Pinta & the Santa Maria Has Achieved Nirvana  |
Nice. He sounds like a cool guy. | |||
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| Has Achieved Nirvana |
Nice of you to call him. Glad he said yes!
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Minor Deity |
But Disney is a corporation and corporations are by definition (according to some), greedy. Mister Raspberry, on the other hand, probably has a conscience.
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| knitterati Beatification Candidate  |
This is a perfect outcome, and it’s based on person to person contact. I love it. Have fun with your event!
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| Serial origamist Has Achieved Nirvana |
And a sense of humor -- something corporations (or at least corporate lawyers) seem to lack.
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