T-shirt copyright infringement?

[Bolo]

Hello all! I'm the new owner of a '87 Ericson 32-3. Originally called "Vivace" out of Annapolis, we're renaming her "Vesper" and we're out of the same marina, Port Annapolis as the previous owners. Needless to say my wife and I are very excited about our new "old" boat and are looking forward to many great years with her.

I was also intrigued by the Ericson reputation and it's nifty logo. So much so that I have an idea and tag line for a t-shirt that I'd like to produce and possible offer for sale, at cost, here or maybe on something like eBay. (I sell there quite often.) However, being a photographer and wary of copyright laws I was wonder if there would be a problem with producing T-shirts, with the Ericson logo, and not get into a hassle with Pacific Seacraft which I believe owns the name and molds. I guess this is a question form any copyright lawyers out there. :egrin:

Bolo
"Vesper" 32-3 hull #722

[Sean Engle]

Pacific Seacraft Corporation (http://www.pacificseacraft.com) owns several of the Ericson molds as well as the name and logos of Ericson Yachts. They have permitted EY.o to use the logo and name without any issue - and have not fussed about any of the private gear that's been made, etc.

If you were to start making these items for profit for a larger audience (those outside of EY.o or local owners clubs), then you might have a problem with trademark infringement, and may wish to contact them first. eBay and others have grown to the point now where the sales there are seen as commercial activity (ie; storefront instead of garage sale), so you're in a gray area.

As an aside, we've been talking about starting a 'gear' section on this site as well. There are a number of people who produce 'Ericson Stuff', etc - and it would provide a nice contact point, etc.... If there enough interest, I'm sure we could pursue it...

//sse

[omgirl]

Sean - I think a 'gear' section on this site is a great idea... I would love to see one location for Ericson gear. Not that you need more work to do with this site...!

[Bolo]

Sean,

OK, I think a gear line for the site is a very good idea to and you can use the tag line I came up with for the front or back. "Ericson, sail like a Viking."

Bolo

:egrin: