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**Homercidal** · 08-05-2011, 02:22 PM

I said I wanted APES on the box, not monkeys!

**JonM** · 08-05-2011, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyzazz

It's just a t-shirt design. Unless it's been trademarked/patented/copyrighted then it's fair game. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I don't think I'd be upset about it, surprised maybe, but not upset.

Its been a long time since i learned about this stuff in school so dont quote me, but I'm pretty sure you're entitled to basic copyright protection as soon as your work is "committed to a tangible medium of expression." Basic protection means you can make them stop using your work.

Getting an official copyright allows you to get $ damages on top of making them stop.

**mojo_wire** · 08-05-2011, 02:41 PM

Seems to me that the first ones with cause to be pissed off here are Malcom and Angus Young.

robtotten · 08-05-2011, 02:46 PM

Hah, good point.

**Laughing_Gnome_Invisible** · 08-05-2011, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojo_wire

Seems to me that the first ones with cause to be pissed off here are Malcom and Angus Young.

Nope. An altered image can be used outside usual copyright laws when used in a satirical context.

37OliveStBrews · 08-05-2011, 02:52 PM

Hey at least you are selling yours at the best price. At least their not undercutting you on price too.

**Austinhomebrew** · 08-05-2011, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sacdan

What about selling clone beer kits? Isn't that pretty much the same thing? Just move on.

Not even close.

Forrest

**mojo_wire** · 08-05-2011, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laughing_Gnome_Invisible

Nope. An altered image can be used outside usual copyright laws when used in a satirical context.

Although that assumes that the viewer's sarcasm detector has been turned to "on"

**weirdboy** · 08-05-2011, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonM

Its been a long time since i learned about this stuff in school so dont quote me, but I'm pretty sure you're entitled to basic copyright protection as soon as your work is "committed to a tangible medium of expression." Basic protection means you can make them stop using your work.

Getting an official copyright allows you to get $ damages on top of making them stop.

I don't think you need to have a registered copyright to stop anyone. You can still sue to keep others from using the work, but you will have to go to court and prove that you are the creator. Copyright protection starts the moment you create an original work.

I would also add that depending upon the situation, the ownership of the copyright might belong to staff member(s) or to AHS. In most cases if it is/was an employee of AHS who came up with the design, it is considered a work for hire and the copyright belongs to AHS, but there are some rather esoteric rules that can be used to determine the status of a work when there isn't an explicit contract assigning IP rights.

cshamilton · 08-05-2011, 03:33 PM

If you know any lawyers - have one write up a cease and desist letter and send it registered mail to the offending parties. This will cost you money to do, so you have to decide if it is worth it.