unforum

[shaved_ape]

well...

[Rogi Ocnorb]

[Davlin]

Hello,

First time poster, but long time lurker, and sometimes prop maker enthousiast.

I'm not a lawyer, but I think it is reasonable to think that creating brand new stuff from movies ( not recasting stuff licensed by marketing partners ) is tolerated. Of course, it is illegal in itself, but what does the majors have to win by suing a fellow who is doing a small run in his garage, for fun and minimal amount of money ?

Lucas went on the laser because it was commercial from the start; But nothing went on the Sabersmiths, who do sabers all the time ( and it's clearly IP related ) for sometimes a lot of money.

It keeps the franchise alive, the fans hyped up, and creates a community of enthusiasts. Which is all good for the IP owners, and for free.

My humble advice would be to enjoy making your props, do some good job, and stay humble.

Oh, and last thing : Replica prop forum. Go there. Enjoy. :p

[professional lurker]

Might want to ask around in the arcade collecting community, some of the repro guys there have dealt with Disney/Tron stuff before.
Specifically, the guy who runs http://phoenixarcade.com might have some pointers. Or ask in the forum at klov.com (where you could sell a ton of 'em if the price was right)

Good luck, I'd love something bigger than my Medicom recognizer!

[shaved_ape]

well.

[NickyTea]

The answer depends on the question you are asking.

If you make a small run of Recognizers, will you get sued? Probably not. Will you get a C&D? Maybe. I did.

If you make a small run of Recognizers, is it legal? The answer, is, very clearly, no. Disney owns Tron. Even your bits. They aren't being sold on "geometry." You're selling TRON geometry. You're selling a product using the interest garnered from their property, without a licence.

You are operating in the gray area, make no mistake about it. I do it all the time, but have no illusions about what I'm doing.

[Rogi Ocnorb]

If we're going to get all wrapped-around-the-axle about this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idea-expression_divide
And, I would hope that everyone understands the impossibility of "patenting" the bits or their forms or getting them recognized as non-traditional 3d shape trademarks.

[shaved_ape]

I am only more confused now.

[Coasterg]

I am a lawyer, with experience in IP and business law. That being said, the disclaimer - this is my personal opinion, not an offer of legal advice and, as such, I will not be held liable for any use of it.

First, the "Bit" - the "Bit" is copyrighted as a character in Tron. That's where Disney receives protection for that particular idea. Creating similar geometric shapes and calling them geometric shapes and not "Bits" definitely helps. Could Disney try to C&D you, yes - would they, probably not since its not a big commercial run and there is sufficient ambiguity.

As for the "Recognizer", that's a totally different story. They could sue you, the usual way things like this are handled is to issue a C&D first and if you comply then it goes away. It happens regularly. They could sue you as well and the damages are set by Federal statute and can be significant. That being said this isn't a big run so a C&D is most likely if they notice. Its a sensitive time in Tron marketing with many of their partners selling similar items so IMHO I wouldn't try it right now.

George

[shaved_ape]

thank you

[NickyTea]

[shaved_ape]

up?

[CloneTommy]

I say do it. Guys on this website constantly do this type of thing but with Transformers.

tfsourcedotcom

-CT

[retrogmr]

But some were done...

[shaved_ape]

Re: But some were done...