Copyright issues?

I've made a few replica badges, see thread:

http://www.vwgolfmk1.org.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=51024&highlight=

I'm thinking of making a web site to sell them on. My question is, am I gunna get dun for copying VW's originals badges? It's OK making a few quid here and there, But then theres being sued and the wife leaving me coz i'm stupid. What I want is my own proper web site to advertise da badges innit.

The font and design will be copyrighted, but if you make it clear that they are replicas and not original, I can't see anyone taking action against you. Especially since the badges are no longer available from VW.

Don't you have to ask permission AND pay royalties?

Aren`t royalties for artistic stuff such as music,literature,paintings etc.Perhaps ultimately you`d have to apply for a license???
 :dontknow:

VW will own both design and intellectual property copyrights. Working for an OEM myself, rarely are design copyrights licensed for duplication so you leave yourself open to being sued. Seek permission for a license first.

Write to VW, tell them what you intend to do, explain that you are part of the Mk1 Golf owners club and are doing it to keep VW's on the road and see what they say.  The worst they can say is no.

Failing that, sell them on an ebay store.
If not, you surely could sell them as replica badges and just do not use any actual reference to VW etc, as the font will be slightly different, as will the badges themselves as they have no VAG stamp etc printed on them.

chris_16v said

Failing that, sell them on an ebay store.
If not, you surely could sell them as replica badges and just do not use any actual reference to VW etc, as the font will be slightly different, as will the badges themselves as they have no VAG stamp etc printed on them.

someone could still report you to ebay for selling replicas i think….

who would do that?
he's not hurting ANYBODY?
not taking ANYONES business

Can't think of anyone that would need to, but you've gotta think of all the possible outcomes :dontknow:

So if I said "VW Style Badges", and then wrote a disclaimer saying that they were my interpretation of the original badge, they would then be my own product? :dontknow: The custom ones would be fine, just the reproduction ones might cause an issue.

No, not if its close to the design. It would need to be distinctly different - which kinda negates the issue.

I'd just write to them saying your an enthusiast and doing it for the beefit of the club and keeping the mk1 alive…. better being safe than a lawsuit

Just write to them and ask i'm sure they won't mind seen as they don't make or sell them anymore. Might be doing them a favour, getting some people nagging for these badges to get back in to production of there back.