Wushock Copyright Question

[martymoose]

Ok, I'm in the process of purchasing a large vehical for fun. I'm considering getting it painted black and gold (yellow). I'm also considering putting a large old school Wushock on the sides or maybe the hood, haven't decided the specifics yet.

My question is, if I do this am I asking for trouble from WSU? Or is this something that isn't against copyright since I'm not selling it? Or against copyright but WSU won't care?

[t7017s]

I'd say call the athletic dept. Someone can point you to the right person to inquire I'm sure. I wouldn't think it would be an issue. I mean your basically gonna be a moving advertisement to both the school and its fans. I cant imagine the university having any issues with that but you may be right to inquire and play the "better safe than sorry" card in regards to this. You got to put pics up for us all to see if you do go through with this though. And by pics i dont mean little 100 x 100 ones.

[RoyalShock]

I'm not an authority on this, but I think if you paint it yourself, for personal use, you're probably OK.

But if you take the artwork to a sign shop or automotive specialty place and pay them to do it, then you (or probably the retailer) might be in dangerous territory.

Of course, it's also possible that the old Wu may no longer be copyrighted. I don't know how that works.

But t's advice is pretty good.

[martymoose]

Yeah, you're right about having a sign shop print it, they could get into trouble... I'll check with the university. Anyone have a suggestion of who in particular I should call or email?

[RoyalShock]

Whoever the marketing AD is would be a good place to start. That's who I dealt with several years ago when obtaining permission to use some graphics on SN.

[WSU Shocker]

Brian Pracht

http://www.goshockers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=62801&SPID=2849&DB_OEM_ID=7500&ATCLID=650765

Though he may direct you to someone else...

[Shocker85]

Moose,

Let us know what you find out. I am wont to decorate stuff with Shocker and/or WSU emblems for my personal enjoyment. I have always assumed that if I don't sell stuff with trademarks or copyrighted symbols I'm OK.

It will be interesting to know where they stand.

--'85.

[ABC]

My suggestion would have been not to ask and just do.

I have a hard time believing all of the RVs I see with Powercats on them for us at KSU tailgating ask for permission from the KSU AD.

[martymoose]

My suggestion would have been not to ask and just do.

I have a hard time believing all of the RVs I see with Powercats on them for us at KSU tailgating ask for permission from the KSU AD.

You're probably right...oh well, I already asked and am awaiting a response.

[WstateU]

My suggestion would have been not to ask and just do.

I have a hard time believing all of the RVs I see with Powercats on them for us at KSU tailgating ask for permission from the KSU AD.

You're probably right...oh well, I already asked and am awaiting a response.

Agree... just do it!
The Shocker/Moose Mobile :good:

[RampageWSU]

If you pay someone to put it on your vehicle, then that person is supposed to have licensing rights. Personal use (painted by you) is ok. You can't get in trouble if the person misrepresents himself by saying he/she can do it for you (implying they have licensing rights). It's the same type situation as you buying a bootleg t-shirt. Old Wu is still held by the university as far as I know.

The person to ask for sure would be Shannon Lawellin, Director of Athletic Marketing.

[RoyalShock]

If you pay someone to put it on your vehicle, then that person is supposed to have licensing rights.

I think this depends on who supplies the artwork. Having worked at a wholesale sign company for 19 years, we put the responsibility for copyright on our customer (we were almost exclusively a custom shop and did not provide artwork).

[martymoose]

Has anyone got a better/higher res version of this:

[shockball]

Kirby's Beer Store sold T-shirts with "KirbyShock" on the chest. It was a WUShock with a beer in one hand and a smoke in the other. The proprieter got a letter from WSU counsel nicely requesting that he not sell anymore shirts and identified the copyright laws that were being violated. I think the lawyer's name is Ted Ayers.

The proprieter hid them away for years. He brought them back out a few years ago and I picked up a couple. Now they are collector's items.

Johnson's clothing store had to remove some ties a few years back because proper proceures weren't followed.

[martymoose]

Yeah, there are other establisments (won't name names) who use the Wushock logo and it's pretty obvious WSU didn't grant permission.

I did hear back from WSU. They said they can't grant permission to use the old Wushock, but if I'm interested, I can request to use the current logo.