Using the logo on stuff?

SarahtheBoring · Post by **SarahtheBoring** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 8:39 pm

Hey, I had an idea that I thought I'd run by the powers that be.

Could I use the logo on buttons or something like that, sell them at a con (in Artists' Alley), and donate the proceeds to the org? Since there isn't a store these days, and since I think it would be fun. On top of my personal pledge, I'm not canvassing for that. I wouldn't need anything from you guys; I just wanted to know if it's okay. I don't know if it's copyrighted, but it seemed only ethical to ask.

No pressure, just wondering. Thanks a lot!

SarahtheBoring · Post by **SarahtheBoring** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:11 pm

O...kay, then, never mind, I guess. Feel free to delete. Sorry to bother you.

Org Profile · Post by **Phade** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 10:05 am

Hey,

Sorry for missing your original post. I would prefer that you didn't since I don't know the quality, quantity, production cost, markup, or where they will be sold. It's a good idea but if it is going to be done, it should be done correctly.

Phade.

SarahtheBoring · Post by **SarahtheBoring** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 7:33 pm

Understood, captain. *salutes* I didn't mean to degrade the org. I'm sorry. I wouldn't have done anything without go-ahead, of course, but I'm sorry for even having thought of it. I know I can't do anything right.

Thanks!

Org Profile · Post by **Phade** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 9:34 pm

Hey Sarah,

Na, it's really a good idea. It just needs to be done correctly so that if you are walking around a con and notice someone selling Org stuff, you can know if the stuff is legit or not. Having the thing done right is all that needs to be done.

Phade.

Scintilla · Post by **Scintilla** » Sat Sep 24, 2005 9:39 pm

So just to clarify, are you saying you'd prefer such sales be handled by Org staff only?

Or if not, what kind of proper procedure would a potential Org merchandise vendor have to go through in order to gain approval?

*is curious*

Org Profile · Post by **Phade** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 9:38 pm

Hey,

I really hadn't thought about it much. The problem is that someone would have to find a place to make it, check for quality, order it, store it, and then distribute it whenever someone wants it. We'd have to answer all those questions first.

Phade.

Arigatomina · Post by **Arigatomina** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 10:19 pm

Is the logo copywrited? All of the questions raised were answered in Sarah's first post. The only issue would be the quality. She would order, store, and distribute them - and the distribution would be in person at a convention, not something that you stockpile for the org to sell online.

I'm surprised at the response. Does a person even need permission to sell something at a convention and donate the proceeds to the org? Or is it because she wants to use the logo? (Again, back to whether the logo is copywrited). I can see the need to stop people from running around conventions asking for donations that they might not hand over afterward. If that's the fear, then it's probably better that no one use the site logo and name for anything unless they're part of the administration.

But I like the idea of a fan making amv-related buttons to sell at a convention. I would buy a button with an amv logo whether the proceeds went to the org or not, just so I could wear it at the convention during the amv contest. My suggestion to Sarah would be to design her own 'amv-focused' logo, not mention this site at all (so she doesn't need permission and the org doesn't have to be involved at all), and then - if she's still feeling gracious - she can donate the proceeds to the org. Or not, since it won't be linked to the org (aside from being amv-related, but the org doesn't have rights to everything amv related). I'd hate to see a good idea like this squashed. I want an amv button.

trythil · Post by **trythil** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:28 pm

Arigatomina wrote:Is the logo copywrited?

If it was made by a United States citizen or any country obeying the Berne Convention, yes. Copyright is implicit in those countries, i.e. does not require registration.

Arigatomina · Post by **Arigatomina** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 1:23 am

trythil wrote:If it was made by a United States citizen or any country obeying the Berne Convention, yes. Copyright is implicit in those countries, i.e. does not require registration.

Right, but there's some sort of unstated clause that lets members of this site take that logo, alter it, and submit it on their banners, which they're also free to use on their personal websites. I know the winner of the logo design gave up all his rights to the logo when he handed it to the site. What I was asking was how far the 'free use' goes for members. We can use it on our websites to advertise the org, but not on physical items like buttons or shirts? Or is it only not-for-anyone's-profit usage that's allowed? There really isn't anything written anywhere about how we can and cannot use the org logo outside of the banner instructions.