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revboyjames · 3 Weeks Ago

Hi,
Was wondering if anyone here has info on the legality issues behind creating vector car art and printing it on shirts. Is it ok to include the car manufacturer's logo on the grill, side, etc? (as long as the shirt isn't boasting that it's a Chevy shirt?) Also, what about using the cars without their logos (chevy bowtie, ford circle, etc)? What is acceptable in the industry? Any info would be appreciated.
-James

brianmot · 3 Weeks Ago

great question. I dont know and am curious to find out the answer as well

charles95405 · 3 Weeks Ago

I have done several classic car shows..done shirts etc but never used the manufacturer logo..always just used the customers car in photo and custom text...after all most of the car owners are more proud of 'their' car than of the particular make..

tfalk · 3 Weeks Ago

The minute you use the name or a likeness of the car, you are open for a lawsuit. They own the name and they usually trademark the shape of the vehicle as well.

Cartoon versions are subject to debate as art but any real likeness of the car or name is looking for trouble...

EntropyGuy · 3 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfalk


	The minute you use the name or a likeness of the car, you are open for a lawsuit. They own the name and they usually trademark the shape of the vehicle as well. Cartoon versions are subject to debate as art but any real likeness of the car or name is looking for trouble...

I strongly agree with the post above. Ford was aggressive not too long ago in having Cafe Press purge designs with Ford logos and cars. A Mustang club was selling their calendar there and made a big fuss online. The bottom line is that no one should be making money off Ford (for example) products but Ford.

I only responded because I run into this issue all the time as I design shirts for automotive enthusiasts.

- Robert

MotoskinGraphix · 3 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by EntropyGuy


	I strongly agree with the post above. Ford was aggressive not too long ago in having Cafe Press purge designs with Ford logos and cars. A Mustang club was selling their calendar there and made a big fuss online. The bottom line is that no one should be making money off Ford (for example) products but Ford. I only responded because I run into this issue all the time as I design shirts for automotive enthusiasts. - Robert

This isnt actually factual especially with The Black Mustang Club and the calendar produced. Ford said you can use your images of cars and they also offer materials to use for your projects. What they dont want is the use of their corporate logos or trademarks in for sale products.

Cafe Press got the C&D from Ford because customers were using the actual Ford logos impyling that those products were associated with Ford.

Google it as the info is out there.

BML Builder · 3 Weeks Ago

I would have to agree with David. Ford does not nor should they care if you use a picture of your vehicles, but do not allow the use of their corporate logo. I don't think they could get by with prohibiting the use of pictures of your own vehicle as you have bought and paid for that vehicle and if they prohibited that I would think a lot of people would quit buying their vehicles. It would be like prohibiting someone from taking a picture of their homes or their children. Now they could and do prohibit the reproducing of the logo and the parts as if you were representing the Ford Motor Company.

miktoxic · 3 Weeks Ago

so you're saying i could design a shirt with a 3/4 front view of say a z28, just erase the chevy logo, not mention 'chevy' but add text saying maybe...... 'hot rod' in the design and print up 1k shirts and sell for profit and that's legal? i find that absurd.

JHanching · 3 Weeks Ago

I use to sep jobs for a couple of Automotive lines during the height of the Import Tuner Craze. They printed a boatload of designs using all kinds of Autos, slapping a saying and some background graphics. These were shipped to Miller's Outpost, Anchor Blue, Zumies, Major Department stores, etc... All they did was remove the identifying logos and text. Most of the cars were heavily modded with body kits, rims and the like.

I don't recall any of them having any legal problems concerning the art. I do remember one of them actually purchasing a Chevy license because we did a bunch of RF Welds for Impala, the gangsta' ride of choice at the time.

A friend of mine got hammered by Harley Davidson for using the shape of the Shield and Banner. He had to ditch his remaining merchandise.

MotoskinGraphix · 3 Weeks Ago

If you have the rights to the picture I would say you are ok according to what I read about the Black Mustang Clubs ordeal with Ford. If you have ever been to a car show and purchased an event tee they usually all have some sort of car or custom truck on them.

I have at least twenty in my closet with cars, trucks, bikes etc. I know the cars on some that were used in the designs.

Any hot rod on a shirt is based on an actual auto brand and model modified or not.

If you purchase a DVD of some mini truck dragging event, there is going to be a truck on the cover.

You cant use Model names, Brand names, Badging, Manufacturers logos or trademarks.

Please dont take this as legal advice. Do a bit of research on the Ford, Cafe Press, Black Mustang Club calendar ordeal.

muneca · 3 Weeks Ago

Hey James,

Great question...thanks for creating this thread!

kimura-mma · 3 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by BML Builder


	Ford does not nor should they care if you use a picture of your vehicles

That's presumptuous, at best.

As David pointed out, there was an issue regarding the usage. The end result was that the images could be used. But clearly, Ford was aware of the situation, had their attorneys involved, and very much care when their images are used. Just because this situation was cleared, doesn't guarantee all situations will end the same way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BML Builder


	I don't think they could get by with prohibiting the use of pictures of your own vehicle as you have bought and paid for that vehicle

Yes they can, if they feel an infringement has taken place. They can send as many C&D's as they feel necessary. Just because I pay for a Yankee ticket, doesn't license me to produce Derek Jeter t-shirts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BML Builder


	It would be like prohibiting someone from taking a picture of their homes or their children

No, its not like that at all. No one owns the rights to your home or children. But Ford owns the rights to their trademarks.

kimura-mma · 3 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix


	If you have the rights to the picture I would say you are ok according to what I read about the Black Mustang Clubs ordeal with Ford.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix


	Do a bit of research on the Ford, Cafe Press, Black Mustang Club calendar ordeal.

Just because the end result was that the images were cleared for use, it doesn't guarantee that someone else won't be prohibited from using Ford images.

IMO, the biggest lesson to be learned from the ordeal is not the end result, but that Ford will in fact send a C&D and get their attorneys involved in an effort to continuously protect their trademarks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix


	Please dont take this as legal advice.

Exactly. Anyone interested in using car images should consult an IP attorney first.

dmob · 3 Weeks Ago

Check out the previous post on this subject,
Ford releases photos under Creative Commons

David

miktoxic · 3 Weeks Ago

my point is ford/chevy...whoever have had years of commercial /industrial study work done of all of it's model's and of shoots-offs/extensions of the baase vehicle for years and years. they know what poeple are upto. my point is not for or against either side when it comes to making designs for apparel that will sell. but most of it crosses the line at least in my mind.

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