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I hope you enjoy my new blog, with fluffy love and quacks, Mother Duck xxxx

Friday 23 March 2012

Sporting & Royal events Summer 2012 ~ will you be breaking the law?

Unless you have been slumbering for a while then you are probably aware that there are two major events happening in the UK over the summer; we are celebrating a Royal Jubilee and the Olympics. So how many of you are thinking of having a party to celebrate or perhaps as a crafter you are planning to make a collection of items related to both events that you could sell.

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 is was running wild with ideas many of which I will not be able to do because of the restrictions. At least I have found out now and not after I had spent money on materials etc.

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 

6 comments:

  1. 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!

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  2. Is there anything about using union jacks ie cushions ive seen a few and was thinking of doing a couple xxx

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  3. Hi Hells you would have to do some research to check on that one I am afraid. If in doubt check it out x

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  4. http://www.london2012.com/documents/brand-guidelines/guide-to-protected-games-marks.pdf

    Here is another link that might be useful

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  5. As always Mother duck you provide quality useful content that benefits all of us crafters!

    I was contemplating doing a few designs for both occasions, guess i need to be extra careful now.

    Thank you

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  6. There are some posts on this subject on our Facebook page

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