Gospel headstock decal

[panther]

Dub;
Wow ! It really gets complicated, in the case of the restored 57 Chevy, unless it's completely original parts to that car, then they would also be in violation.
Dan

[dubtrub]

Dub;
Wow ! It really gets complicated, in the case of the restored 57 Chevy, unless it's completely original parts to that car, then they would also be in violation.
Dan

NOPE! A restored 57 Chevy was a completed car originally when it left the factory. Now if you took parts from a bunch of different make cars and some how assembled them into a parts car and slap a Chevy logo on it and represented it for sale as the real deal it would techniqually be in violation. However, Chevy is such a big conglomerate they wouldn't waste their time on something as silly as a parts car.

It's the small potatoes company that gets huffy when you use something they have copyrighted. It can hypothetically cut into the profit margin. Then they get concerned and it makes it worth while to go after the violator. Even then I don't think a manufacturer like Fender is concerned with an individual slapping a Fender logo on a parts 'o' caster for his own use, but it cuts into their profit margin when someone sells it with that logo representing it as a real Fender. I know I've read on forums that Fender will pursue you if you put their label on an unauthorized Fender guitar. Now, if you make illegal copies of Fender decals and offer them for sale as many vendors do on eBay then they may get a little upset. Reality is, who's going to come to panthers home and find a guitar in the closet that isn't the real deal with unauthorized logo on it.

[raygun85]

Dub;
Wow ! It really gets complicated, in the case of the restored 57 Chevy, unless it's completely original parts to that car, then they would also be in violation.
Dan

NOPE! A restored 57 Chevy was a completed car originally when it left the factory. Now if you took parts from a bunch of different make cars and some how assembled them into a parts car and slap a Chevy logo on it and represented it for sale as the real deal it would techniqually be in violation. However, Chevy is such a big conglomerate they wouldn't waste their time on something as silly as a parts car.

It's the small potatoes company that gets huffy when you use something they have copyrighted. It can hypothetically cut into the profit margin. Then they get concerned and it makes it worth while to go after the violator. Even then I don't think a manufacturer like Fender is concerned with an individual slapping a Fender logo on a parts 'o' caster for his own use, but it cuts into their profit margin when someone sells it with that logo representing it as a real Fender. I know I've read on forums that Fender will pursue you if you put their label on an unauthorized Fender guitar. Now, if you make illegal copies of Fender decals and offer them for sale as many vendors do on eBay then they may get a little upset. Reality is, who's going to come to panthers home and find a guitar in the closet that isn't the real deal with unauthorized logo on it.

Exactly what I'm trying to say. It really depends on how much money a company feels they are losing as to whether it is worth the time, money and effort to pursue the infringing party. They're not likely to go after folks on this forum. But if someone starts making "Mosrite"-branded "replicas" AND selling them as merchandise, you can probably expect a friendly C&D letter from Fillmore and a subsequent lawsuit. Same goes for Fender and everybody else.

[dubtrub]

Does anyone remember reading many years ago an interview by Guitar Player magazine (I think) where they ask Semi his opinion of the counterfeit Mosrite guitars being manufactured in Japan? His answer was, he takes it as a compliment (or something like that) that his guitars were being replicated. If anyone (Dennis) remembers where to find that interview please let me know.

[Bob Shade]

Hey guys and thanks for all the positive notes on the subject.

While we have already offered to help the member here so that is a moot issue, here is where I am at with it.

If it is a real 60's vintage Gospel, I have no issue with it being restored by anyone ( we can do it here and have the screens ) but those models are exceedingly rare, and I doubt you would find one that needs restoration.

If it is another guitar, even an old Mosrite, we ask that you respect our mark and not use it. If you want us to help you with the project, it would be on a case by case basis. We are not in the habit of re-branding.

When you own a trademark you have a responsibility to it. This is why I replied earlier to this thread and I am glad it seems everyone is completely understanding. The member did the right thing by contacting us for help and we were happy to since the guitar is stripped and he really wants it to be a Gospel. ( I would not consider this on a rare or valuable piece)

Hope this helps,

Bob

[panther]

Bob, Dub, et al;
This has really been an interesting topic.

Dub;
Panthers closet is not the closet you are looking for....Trust me Luke.
Dan

[olrocknroller]

I have thoroughly enjoyed following this thread...thanks to everyone for their contributions

! If you remember, some months ago, I inquired about recordings of songs for private use, and amazingly, the opinion ended up at a similar point there as well...if you can "stay under the radar," you're okay, but just make sure you don't offer much of a target!

[oipunkguy]

this is an interesting topic. the ramones model "alderite" I made for myself, I had thought about selling. I haven’t, because I love the guitar but also because I don’t know if I would be violating a copyright law if I did so, since it has an original Moseley tail piece on it. the guitar is clearly not marked as a mosrite, and I wouldn’t pretend to do so, more so out of my respect particularly for Dana and the mosrite brand. my guess is I would have to remove any mosrite or Moseley logos on it before selling, assuming the design of the guitar itself isn't copyrighted. which I believe is the case sometimes. can someone fill me in on this one? Thanks.

[mosriteforever]

I wouldn't worry about the Mosrite tailpiece. They are sold separately so you can but them on any guitar you want. It is a real Mosrite Tailpiece. Just think if you couldn't sell your Gibson or Gretch because it had a Bigsby tailpiece. That would make no sense. Or unable to sell your Jackson because it had a Floyd Rose or G&L as it has a Kahler. And lets not forget Kluson Tuners, Gotoh, Schaller, not too mention the bridge. As long as you are not outright defrauding another company, I don't think anyone will get carried away. Honesty works, it really does. Just my 2 cents.

[raygun85]

I agree with mosriteforever. We have "M-3 CA" on our vibratos, and Bob Shade has his name, along with the Hallmark insignia on his vibratos. We both have sold vibratos to customers for their custom-build projects. The name only designates the manufacturer, the piece legally belongs to the customer who bought it. Where you would have trouble is if if you copied it and started producing them with the "Hallmark" or "M-3" names, then you're asking for trouble. Because someone might think they're buying a genuine part and that takes business away from us, as well as gypping the customer.