Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Calling John Hall, and Peter McCormack.
Can we do this? There is certainly enough interest. I wonder if we can make the shirts and modify the Ric logo, so we don't infringe on copyright laws? I don't know. Plus we need a designer, any volunteers?
The weather is starting to get warm again. A Ric t-shirt would be cool to have.

Your first couple of sentences make sense, Bob.

But--modify the Rick logo to circumvent Rick's trademarks?

That is certainly not in the spirit of the whole project.

I could help with design, as I am a designer, but let's not go off half-strung! This needs JH and PmC's blessings!!!

I agree J-J...
We all LOVE Rickenbackers... that's why we are on this forum. I'd like to see the RIC logo on there.
After all, it's not only the sound but the "quality" of RIC that sets them apart from the rest. I've even thought about a license plate for ma' truck.

I agree Paul. I just want a Ric t-shirt, but your right. Today I spoke with the local t-shirt\print screen place. The woman said that if we came up with a print that was multi-colored than to do a good job the design should be color seperated. If they had to do this in Photoshop it would cost too much. Since you are a designer, does that make sense to you? Also, if we get permission and you want to volunteer to create the design that's fine by me.
I would be willing to submit the project, and get a price quote from the shop, and ship the t-shirts. I don't want to make a penny on this, I just think it would be a neat thing to do, since we are all Richeads.

We'd still need John's and Peter's approval. Both read this Forum daily. This thread has been going for almost a week now, with no response from either. I think we need to wait for a go-ahead, and that may never come for legal reasons.

You're right about the separations needing to be done, but this is an easy matter in Photoshop. Photoshop artists in SF get less than $20.00 an hour, in flyover states even less ($13.00 is an average)

Anyhow, speaking theoretically, I could do the whole thing gratis for a credit printed on the shirt. But, again, the whole issue of trademark protection and assignments rears its ugly head here. This sort of thing is in direct competition to Rick's official shirts, so why would they even consider it? They get all the free publicity they need!

Yes, I know. I figured it would get shotdown.
Even though we have probably wasted our time on this topic, it was a nice thought thou.

Guys,
Paul is right. Copyright infringement is a serious thing. BMI, ASCAP and SESAC work a lot of hours to protect their members from unauthorized use of their material. All said, the Nashville music business is a pretty small community. I have all of my work copyrighted before I send to one of three publishers I work with. Not because I have to - I trust them. Rather, because they want it that way. They want nothing to do with even a hint of copyright violation. Song sharks don't last long in the music business, and a reputable publisher will protect their name. A copyright lawsuit is, basically, the end of business as theu know it. Writers won't submit to them, artists or their managers won't let them pitch songs to them. That spells nothing recorded, printed, etc. and no money!!
I would expect that Trademark and Signature mark infringement would be viewed the same way.
No one should do anything without blessings from RIC. We must maintain integrity and respect their ruling.

Mike, I completely understand. Knowing nothing about the legal ramifications I jumped ahead of myself. It's not a problem, nor am I upset.
Just dismayed.

I have no problem at all with a limited number of shirts being produced specifically for this group.

However, I'm sure anyone can appreciate that there are a couple of basic items regarding the trademark and terms of sale that would need to be ironed out. Whoever has been appointed the point man for this really would need to e-mail me so these could be addressed.

Also, someone is going to take a risk with regard to the financing, collection, and fulfillment on this deal- has that brave soul been identified yet?

Thankyou Mr Hall.
We could order & pay in advance. That would take the financial strain out.

I don't mind being point man on this. I've done a fair amount of this production art stuff, and am a designer with a working knowledge of what it would take to produce. Cafepress would be a good place to start--they set up for a nominal fee and produce on demand. We could do a private order with them. We only pay for what we order. Just let me know what you think.

We should do two designs minimum, with some input from JH and Peter, I would think. They would feature bass and 6/12 string. No celebrities, guys-- licensing rights are expensive, even if we could get them.

Something like this, for the guitar people?
The cover of the Japan catalog for 2004 was an especially excellent montage, can't find it though.

Very pleased that you're not against the idea, JH.

I'd like the design to relate to the forum specifically (as well as Rickenbacker) so that it's pretty obvious that it's not genuine Rickenbacker merchandise.

On top of that, anybody can buy a Rickenbacker shirt, but could they buy a 'Rickenbacker Forum' one?

Cheers

Alright!!!
Thanks Mr. Hall

Right, the shirt should specify "The Rickenbacker Forum" in the incorporated design. With a choice between 6 or 12 string guitars, or bass (4001 or 4003). Either way, if this gets off the ground, I definitely want one or two anyway.