very small batch of NFL logo items question

[Don Young]

I have a request for a couple of different items with an NFL logo on them. While I know that these logos are copyrighted, I know that I could not apply for an NFL license as my business is far to small for that. I see items everywhere that use copyrighted logos (swap meets, craft shows...) so I know that people use them. Have many of you done such business and is there a feasible route to gain approval from the governing bodies ?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Mike Null]

Don

I refuse such business unless the customer has a legitimate letter of permission. I haven't seen one yet so I haven't done logos of that type.

People who ask you to this are, at least in my view, cheapskates who know better.

There are a number of businesses who will come after you for using their logo without proper authorization. Pro sports teams especially.

[Mark Sipes]

and Harley Davidson

[Ross Moshinsky]

You shouldn't market an item that sells because of the logo. If you make a Cowboys plaque that only sells because it has the Cowboys name on it, you're living in the wrong.

If you have a customer walk in and wants an item personalized with just the Cowboys logo because he's a big fan, you're living in the wrong but it's a one off and you're not marketing the service. Still wrong, but less wrong.

If you have a customer walk in and they want an item personalized and it's for this and that and the logo plays a small role in the item's presentation.... you get the picture hopefully.

The reality is you have to use your best judgement.

[Bruce Clumpner]

Don,

By even talking about it here, in this forum, the Logo Police will pick it up and put you on their radar.. The BIG brands hire folks just to troll the search engines and chase every dime, er...unauthorized use. I wouldn't chance it, especially if you have a retail storefront. There's just too much to loose.

But sometimes, for small items in small runs, it just might work out to apply for a license if you want to pursue it. I produce items for 5 licensed schools and pay around 10-15% of gross for the privilege. It kinda works out in the end, but does add another layer to the bookkeeping.

Good Luck.

[Gary Hair]

Either I misunderstood the OP or everyone else did... I think everyone thought he was asking how to get away with it when I think he was asking how to do it right. I don't have that answer but I think people should reread his post before jumping on him.

[Jim Dawson]

the quick safe answer is don't do it…. its not worth the hassle or losing your business.

[Bert Kemp]

I agree with Grayhair, he's not asking how to cheat the system, he's asking how to get approval from the governing body, in this case the Cowboys.

If it were me I would email the Cowboys Office explain to them what you wanted to do, the size of your business so they would know your small fish, and just ask for their approval with an email stating such approval. Maybe offer them 15 or 20% of the sale from your customer. The worst that can happen is they say no . What have you got to lose? Heres how to contact them

http://forms.dallascowboys.com/contact_us.cfm

[Bert Kemp]

the quick safe answer is don't do it…. its not worth the hassle or losing your business.

I really don't think anyone would lose their business over this unless you continued to be an offender.
Most likely you would get a formal letter to quit doing it with the threat of legal action if it continued.

[Dan Hintz]

The short and skinny is "You won't get approval". The agencies are only looking for people willing to play ball (no pun intended), which means signing contracts, paying the licensing fees, etc. It is not worth their time to deal with one-offs (and legally they can't allow that anyway), so unless you can step up to the plate and pay the big bucks, don't waste your time.

Politely convince the customer they want something else or turn them away.

[Mike Null]

Gary

I don't see anybody jumping on him. I see advice that generally says "it's a waste of time".

[Dave Sheldrake]

I really don't think anyone would lose their business over this unless you continued to be an offender.
Most likely you would get a formal letter to quit doing it with the threat of legal action if it continued.

You would be surprised Bert, recently an infraction here cost a small seller £150,000 in litigation plus their own legal costs. It cost them their livelihood, their home and their future. All that over less than £100 worth of merchandise.

Some big companies will just send a C&D, some will always take punitive action. A lot depends on the company, one I do a lot of contract work for has a general policy of always bringing suit, no exceptions.

cheers

Dave

[Bert Kemp]

[QUOTE=Dave Sheldrake;2228822]You would be surprised Bert, recently an infraction here cost a small seller £150,000 in litigation plus their own legal costs. It cost them their livelihood, their home and their future. All that over less than £100 worth of merchandise.

Some big companies will just send a C&D, some will always take punitive action. A lot depends on the company, one I do a lot of contract work for has a general policy of always bringing suit, no exceptions.

cheers
Dave


I think maybe the laws are more strict in the UK
Maybe not but I know a guy who made several Items with the HD logo on them and tried selling them on Cragslist. Anyone who knows HD will tell you they vigorously protect their logo. They saw his ad's and made contact and asked him to stop, and no further action would be necessary. Didn't even send a C&D. I think HD saw this guy for what he was a small time guy just selling homemade crafts on the side, not someone trying to make a fortune off the HD logo. They didn't want to ruin him just make him stop.

[Dee Gallo]

Whenever I've had requests like this, I ask the customer to provide me with written permission to use the logo. In 30 years, I've only had two do it, out of hundreds who asked..

[Scott Woodson]

Don, I pursued getting an MLB license for Orioles items, NFL follows something of a similar nature. Contacted MLB who politely provided me approx 40 pages of legal documents to sign for them to consider granting me a license. If I remember correctly it was up front fee of approximately $40K and then there was royalties on top (based on estimated/vice actual sales). Added fees were calculated based on projected sales figures vice acutal, so you paid the projection regardless if you sold anything. There were many other legal considersations along with exact specifications that were to be followed. Everyone I talked to loved my idea, but in the end IMHO this is why stuff is made in China (no offense intended) where it is manufactured for pennies on the dollar and then costs sooooo much here....royalties. Best of luck if you persue, but as others have said "beware".