Copyright question...... Please help answer...

[SVTCobra97]

Is the snake in the middle of the SCMC Logo copyrighted? I don't want to use an exact copy of it, but am I allowed to use something that is somewhat similar to it? I've seen that exact snake logo used on different products, but do these products pay copyright fees to Ford or someone else?

I don't want to say what I'm going to do, but I have an original idea and want to run with it. Any advice. Thanks in advance :D

[cobrabitn]

That logo is a Ford logo. We got permission from Ford SVT in 1999 to use it as part of our logo. From what I understand, if you are not selling products to the general public to make a profit then I think you should be able to use it. I'm assuming this is something personal you are wanting to put together? If you plan to sell for profit then you may have a legal issue with the copyrighted snake owned by FMC.

Hope that helps?

[SVTCobra97]

Well, I was going to put something together and see how good it looked first. If it turns out looking good, I was going to look into selling it.

How do I go about contacting Ford SVT?

Any idea how much I'd have to change the logo to not run into copyright laws?


Thanks for your help.

[nckissfan]

I thought that a copyright was just that. The holder of a copyright has say so in whatever goes on with said item. Thus, if they do not care for the way the thing is being used, then they have every right to take legal action, whether it is being used for a profit or not.

[SVTCobra97]

Called Ford and they gave me a website of theirs with info on it. Looks like if I want to use their image, I will have to fill out some paper work. They then look at it on a case by case basis and figure what to do. Processing takes a month.

[InfamousSVT]

Any idea how much I'd have to change the logo to not run into copyright laws?I used to do patent illustrations and trademarks for a bunch of major corporations like Earnhardt trademark and things! All work done by the company was legal though, all originals from attorneys!
To get around the copyright laws, all you need to do is change a small portion of the logo! Then if it ever gets to the point where you're in court about it, it'll never hold up! Because you were inspired by the original, but made it your own by the changes you've done to it! Plenty of court cases with this issue have been brought up with the company I used to work for and all that was needed was a small change here and there! Hope this helps!

- J

[SVTCobra97]

I used to do patent illustrations and trademarks for a bunch of major corporations like Earnhardt trademark and things! All work done by the company was legal though, all originals from attorneys!
To get around the copyright laws, all you need to do is change a small portion of the logo! Then if it ever gets to the point where you're in court about it, it'll never hold up! Because you were inspired by the original, but made it your own by the changes you've done to it! Plenty of court cases with this issue have been brought up with the company I used to work for and all that was needed was a small change here and there! Hope this helps!

- J

Thank you. That definately helps. I did just that,,, changed just a few details on it, but still generally looks the same. I'll post some pics soon. :D