13 replies to this topic

[coderWalker]

This is directly related to video games, so I apologize.



I want to make a T-shirt like the Following:


Greatest Browser Ever


Would it be illegal for me to make a t-shirt with this logo?

If not, Would I be able to sell shirts like this?

I know under certain conditions you can use publc figures (obama) if they are known by enough people.
Does the same thing apply to images like this?

I do know iexplore is the worst browser ever, just a inside joke in my programming classes.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Walker

[Tom Sloper]

1. This is directly related to video games
2. Would it be illegal for me to make a t-shirt with this logo?
3. If not, Would I be able to sell shirts like this?
4. I know under certain conditions you can use publc figures (obama) if they are known by enough people.
Does the same thing apply to images like this?
5. I do know iexplore is the worst browser ever, just a inside joke in my programming classes.

1. No it isn't.
2. See #5.
3. See #5.
4. The public figures thing has NO BEARING on use of a corporate logo. A corporate logo is not a public figure.
5. So you're saying it's satire or parody. Read the FAQ (above), and read this. IF* you get taken to court, the defense your expensive lawyer can use is the satire/parody defense.

*There's no certainty you will, but you could.

I find it amazing that there are SO MANY threads on the question of IP use this morning.

[GoofProg.F]

I would say No. The Microsoft™ E is a trademarked logo, but I am not Mister Legal.

[d000hg]

Internet Explorer isn't even a browser. IE 6,7,8,9,etc are separate applications.

Sounds like a bunch of college kids thinking they're being funny and original by jumping on a bandwagon. The lawyers will have the shirts off their backs.

[Hodgman]

Are you running a t-shirt selling business, or are you making a one-off joke for yourself to wear?

No one is going to sue you for making yourself a one-off joke t-shirt.

[SimonForsman]

Internet Explorer isn't even a browser. IE 6,7,8,9,etc are separate applications.

Sounds like a bunch of college kids thinking they're being funny and original by jumping on a bandwagon. The lawyers will have the shirts off their backs.

IE9 is actually fairly good, It even renders websites mostly correctly (something that can't be said for IE6-8)

[shadowisadog]

You could try to come up with something more unique and not use a logo at all maybe like:

IE6: Why upgrade when everything comes with Windows XP.

Internet Explorer: It doesn't quite work, but it keeps web developers employed.

or for a t-shirt:

Internet Explorer: Standards? Do I look like I care about standards?

Of course I think you might need to perform more market research if you think many people would actually want a shirt that makes jokes about internet explorer... How about jokes about the economy? It is just too bad no one will be able to afford to buy them...

[Tom Sloper]

The business purpose of this thread is long over. It's devolved into a Lounge discussion. So this is moving to the Lounge.

[d000hg]

Are you running a t-shirt selling business, or are you making a one-off joke for yourself to wear?

No one is going to sue you for making yourself a one-off joke t-shirt.

Maybe if you wear it at a convention and ask for Ballmer's autograph...

[Tachikoma]

Ballmer might not get the joke though.

[Antheus]

No.

No. Microsoft does not permit other companies or individuals to display its logos or trademarks on T-shirts, office supplies, sporting goods, or other merchandise. For more information, review the Merchandise section of the General Microsoft Trademark Guidelines. Limited exceptions may be granted based on extenuating circumstances and business approval from a Microsoft Account Manager. If your company has a business proposal to license a Microsoft trademark as a revenue opportunity, submit your business proposal to iplg@microsoft.com. Please include Trademark in the subject line of your message.

Trademarks.

[Cronnix]

Internet Explorer: It doesn't quite work, but it keeps web developers employed.

Instant buy

[d000hg]

I prefer:

Internet Explorer: Just do it Our Way

[FableFox]

To OP, just don't. Remember Mike Rowe Soft?