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Forum 43
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Topic starter
16/07/2018 1:51 am
Matchbox truck 66 vs. 84 bed cover ? (pic)
I own a Matchbox Red Crown Emergency truck. I was told that the #66 on the bed cover was a copyright infringement (so they went to #84). Does anyone now this to be true or why they made the change?
photo no longer available
photo no longer available
16/07/2018 2:01 am
I was in Williams AZ a couple years ago and every shop had every imaginable item sporting the Route 66 logo - I bought a t-shirt with the logo on front and back. Since it is a federal route designation I don't know how anyone could own the copyright to it but who knows. Interesting question - I'd like to know the answer to this one.
16/07/2018 6:27 am
Apparently a company in the Netherlands has claimed copyright to the Route 66 logo and some US sellers of Route 66 memorabilia have been frightened into withdrawing or altering products to avoid copyright infringement.
However, various people have pointed out that highway names and logos are in the public domain in the U.S. and even though the Netherlands company has registered itself with the U.S. Patent Office as the owner of this "brand name", it would not get away with suing for breach of copyright in the U.S. Their copyright might be valid in Europe, but not many people in Europe are likely to manufacture "Route 66" items - except maybe for fashion goods and clothing.
Apparently other U.S. companies have tried copyrighting highway names in the past and failed.
But it looks as if sellers aren't willing to risk an expensive court case to prove the point so they have backed down.
Those of a legal bent can find further information by Googling "Route 66 copyright"
Graeme.M. Ogg
London U.K.
16/07/2018 6:32 am
I think a US company should take out a licence on windmills. That'll show 'em!
16/07/2018 8:24 am
Buz Kirkel's Route 66 Accessories Co. uses the logo.
Apparently with no issues.
16/07/2018 10:18 am
And the tulip image!