Universal bites the Browncoats that feed them :(

[mavjop]

The following is a copy of an e-mail I sent to various Browncoat lists in response to the fact that Universal has apparently started sending nasty letters to creators/purveyors of fan-produced merchandise:Alas, I suspect they can make any demands they like. The demands may just not have any legal standing. If the target of the demands acquiesces,

Comments

[brianrubin]

I totally agree with you. This whole situation sickens and saddens me.

[intheyear2004]

Here via MF.

If Universal gave a logo to the fans to make T-shirt of,they probably expected every fan to do their own T-shirt and were okay with that. They, understandably, didn't expect someone to open a shop with T-shirts with their logo on it, thus making money off their protected property. I don't know the fan in question and her work, but understand the copyright holder's reaction.

[mavjop]

Yes, that is fair enough, however ... Universal aren't cracking down on people who are selling t-shirts with the logo they gave out for people to make their own shirt with.

Universal are using thug tactics on people who have created entirely original artwork with only a tenuous connection to their property.

[intheyear2004]

Universal are using thug tactics on people who have created entirely original artwork with only a tenuous connection to their property.

If that is true why does she give in? I'd counter-sue them for harrassment.

[mavjop]

Difficult to do when you're one person and they're a massive corporation with lawyers coming out their ears.