As a crafter are you aware of the high number of restrictions on the use of images AND words that are attached to these events? Were you planning to make cakes/cupcakes or maybe bunting/banners to advertise items you have made to help celebrate, or some cute cushions or jewellery items - you could be breaking the law!
Mother Duck has been astounded in the past few days at the number of restrictions ... I had expected it on images such as the rings or the logo etc BUT the words I was surprised at; likewise with the Royal Celebrations, I expected the Queen's image to be restricted but there are other restrictions too.
On my Face book page I always tell people that ignorance is no defence; just because you don't know about the restrictions doesn't mean they won't take you to court or force you to destroy your work for breaching their copyright or trademarks. It doesn't matter if you just sell a few things to family and friends or a few more through Facebook or a website or one of the Marketplace sites likes Etsy or Folksy (to name just a couple). It doesn't matter what you sell or where you sell it! If you are using the words or images that carry restrictions you could be in trouble.
The restrictions are lengthy and I would advise anyone planning to make items relating to these events to check out what you can and cannot use. I am including a couple of links that might help BUT these are just a hint of some of the restrictions. Remember that ignorance is not a defence and I do wholeheartedly encourage you to do some research BEFORE you make.
http://www.royal.gov.uk/HMTheQueen/TheQueenandspecialanniversaries/TheQueensDiamondJubilee2012/DiamondJubileeNamesandTitles.aspx
http://www.barkerbrettell.co.uk/news/London2012BriefingNotes.asp?referrer=current_news.asp&p=241
These events are such a huge opportunity for crafters ... my imagination
Please enjoy the events and the parties etc that I hope we will all be part of but don't risk your business by using the images and words that are restricted.
Here is a link to a great Blog that probably explains all of this a bit better than Mother Duck has
http://www.lawdonut.co.uk/blog/2012/03/marketing-your-business-olympic-theme-are-you-danger-breaking-law
Plenty of food for thought, must admit, I hadn't got around to making creative plans for the 2 big events, certainly wont be now!
ReplyDeleteIs there anything about using union jacks ie cushions ive seen a few and was thinking of doing a couple xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Hells you would have to do some research to check on that one I am afraid. If in doubt check it out x
ReplyDeletehttp://www.london2012.com/documents/brand-guidelines/guide-to-protected-games-marks.pdf
ReplyDeleteHere is another link that might be useful
As always Mother duck you provide quality useful content that benefits all of us crafters!
ReplyDeleteI was contemplating doing a few designs for both occasions, guess i need to be extra careful now.
Thank you
There are some posts on this subject on our Facebook page
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