I (HEART) London and other t shirt artwork are registered designs

[Andrew]

As far as the Stig scenario is and without wanting to go into a big explanation, it's basically called "Passing off" me thinks.

I can't see how anyone can patent the Heart stuff as it is and has been in the public domain for a long time with known origins. Haven't clicked on the link or looked into it though...... just my initial thoughts.

[Lee]

So i guess the same goes - and I think its be discussed before somewhere - if someone printed a sillouette of alan sugar and 'you're fired' that wouldnt be allowed - that would be 'passing off'?

[Andrew]

It's probably quite a thin line for where the right and wrong side of the law goes and down to interpretation. On something like that they would have to go out of their way to prove you are infringing on their ownership as you are not using an actual photo of Lord Sug's. How far passing off goes is a very grey area. If you just had the outstretched arm with pointing finger and You're Fired! it could still be deemed as passing off but a job to prove. Theoretically it is passing off as you would want people to make the connection to the Apprentice on the design, use a font not associated and a silhouette of your own arm/hand and I doubt they could do anything. It's a minefield with all these copyrights but rightfully so imo. If an organisation/ Company/ Individual creates something they they have the right to protect it from being ripped off.

[mrs maggot]

is anyone on here a member of ACID http://acid.eu.com/ and have they got anything positive to say about it ??

[John G]

Never heard of them - seems to be a money making machine judging by the amount they charge to be a member

[mrs maggot]

they are very visible at a lot of trade shows, most stands have their signs up, and will be there at the autumn fair (2 weeks away and a sign that xmas is coming lol) just wondered if anyone had any experience of how they can help for the membership they charge

[John G]

Put "copyright theft" into google, or many other similar phrases, and they are not even on the 1st few pages, infact I cannot find them - where as "FACT", are no 1 - 1st page.

Funnily enough they are using the same circle round the C in their logo - copying I think.

[mrs maggot]

just had an email with an alternative i heart london - its just a heart with a painted black line almost completely round it, with the word london underneath, when you look at it you still see i heart london - even though its not there if that makes sense - cant post the piccy im afraid