I have a few questions actually. I'm a bit overwhelmed. Firstly, I have started and ran my own clothing business for a few weeks.
I haven't gotten more than a few sales, and would like to be able to sell to stores in malls etc, how would I go about this?
Secondly, I print my own shirts, but would like to print other things as well. I want to print other logos, that have saleability. For example, I'd like to print a Ford logo on a shirt, and sell it. I'm assuming I can't legally do that now. So my question is on that, how do I go about contacting them, and what exactly should I know? (i.e. % of commission to them etc)
All help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Last edited by Rodney; August 1st, 2007 at 12:11 PM.
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For example, I'd like to print a Ford logo on a shirt, and sell it. I'm assuming I can't legally do that now. So my question is on that, how do I go about contacting them, and what exactly should I know? (i.e. % of commission to them etc)
Contact their legal or licensing department. They will dictate the terms of selling their logo.
You can also search the forums for licensing to learn more about this.
I did do some searching, and came up with nothing specifically about what I'm asking, that's why I created the topic.
The threads are definitely there...that's why I was giving you some specific terms to use
Although they may not be about Ford, they still apply to your situation (licensing company logos).
There are tons of threads about selling to retail stores. That's why I wanted to point you to that specific section of the forum where those threads are located. To make them easier to find for you.
Also if you use the popular keyword search feature and type in retailers, you'll find all types of tips on how to sell to brick and mortar stores.
I did do some searching, and came up with nothing specifically about what I'm asking, that's why I created the topic.
I'm a VW collector and VW is a pain in the ....! Often car companies will require that all products be approved by them to make sure your ideas don't take away from the company's image. At least VW did. Also, you pay alot to them for the logo use - not really worth it.
Instead do variations. Like VWers are always in debate about the 1.8T engine and the VR6 engine. So I have a line of shirts that simply say "1.8T > VR6" and "VR6 > 1.8T". VW can't liscence that.
Ok, so if I "indirectly" use terms or make my own, that would be ok? Or, if I used a different font?
Keep in mind that "Ford" it trademarked, not just the font/logo. But I'm not a lawyer! In my opinion I think you could do a screen of a ford truck as long as it didn't say "FORD"..... just because I've seen alot of aftermarket car tuners with cars in the background of their shirts.
Ok, thanks.
What about snippets of lyrics? Like just 3 words of a song?
We can't advise you really about how much you can get away with when using other people's work.
That's what lawyers and lawsuits are for
If we said, "sure, that's fine", that wouldn't stop you from getting sued.
Even if you consulted a lawyer, that wouldn't stop you from getting sued, but at least then, if the lawyer said it was OK, you would have someone that could defend you in court.
I'm no lawyer, but if you are marketing the t-shirt as being associated with that song, then you'll probably have a strong likelihood of problems.
If they are just 3 common words that just happen to be in a song and your marketing doesn't tie them into the song and it's most likely just a coincidence, then you still may have problems, but it's less likely.
Questions about selling already used logos 
