Just Got A C&D From Marvel

[megoat]

This is such a funny occurrence around here. I understand that the custom world is mainly a fan generated just-for-the-fun-of-it sort of venture, but whenever you step outside the bounds of "hobbyist" and begin to SELL an idea that IS NOT YOURS, it seems sorta logical that those who OWN the idea may get a little upset. It's only natural.

I mean, if i was a fan of your work and started selling my own Type 3 body modeled after yours and called it a "Type 3 Body"--would THAT be cool?

Or better yet could you imagine the ****storm that would arise if a "fan" of the Mego Museum were to create their own Mego Museum custom trading card and then try to sell it on eBay?

[Meule]

Oh man, that sucks John, sorry you have to go through all this crap.

Im already gone Mike, Im already gone

If you only showed your work on your website without advertising the customs are also for sale would that still be illegal?
Is it illegal to make customs of legally owned characters? And to create a website to merely share your work with others?
If not, do that. I'm sure everyone here knows that they could contact you with an order, just don't mention that anymore on your website.

[Type3Toys]

Doc Mego said that he's learned...that a C & D can actually be an offer, to do Business. Maybe you could end up working for Marvel?

I have actually considered sending them a Spiderman figure after this. I would put together a well thought out statement to the effect that I was a fan of marvel and made these figures for my own enjoyment. After showing them to a friend, he suggested I try to sell one on ebay. Perhaps I could turn this into a job? I think it would be cool to see MY take on marvel heros hanging on the pegs at toy stores.

[UnderdogDJLSW]

John,
Sorry to hear this happened. But on the bright side, you still have your Type 3 body and can just use generic body suits, etc. I know that the appeal is the custom takes on well known characters, but this might be an opportunity to partner with someone who has a character they are trying to promote.

[Mikey]

The thing that gets me (being an overly suspitious person) is noticing this seem to come only days after our discussion about C & D's on the Paul McCartney thread.

It almost makes me think somebody here read that thread and it put a bug up their butt and turned you in... Perhaps for no other reason then just being mischievous.

I'm sure i'm wrong, but I can't help thinking about the timeline coincidence.

[Seeker]

The thing that gets me (being an overly suspitious person) is noticing this seem to come only days after our discussion about C & D's on the Paul McCartney thread.

It almost makes me think somebody here read that thread and it put a bug up their butt and turned you in... Perhaps for no other reason then just being mischievous.

I'm sure i'm wrong, but I can't help thinking about the timeline coincidence.

Heck there was that whole thing with HoldyourfireAL and C & Ds too.

[60'schild]

At least they did not ask for all figures to be destroyed....

I see that they DO want copies of invoices with #'s sold though.. does that mean that they want the names/addresses of everyone you've ever sold to??? Do they bug them to return or destroy the figures??

[boss]

Hey John... if I send you a C&D will you send me a spiderman?

[Megospidey]

This is such a funny occurrence around here. I understand that the custom world is mainly a fan generated just-for-the-fun-of-it sort of venture, but whenever you step outside the bounds of "hobbyist" and begin to SELL an idea that IS NOT YOURS, it seems sorta logical that those who OWN the idea may get a little upset. It's only natural.

I mean, if i was a fan of your work and started selling my own Type 3 body modeled after yours and called it a "Type 3 Body"--would THAT be cool?

Or better yet could you imagine the ****storm that would arise if a "fan" of the Mego Museum were to create their own Mego Museum custom trading card and then try to sell it on eBay?

Nice job of stating the obvious. Don't you feel better now John?

[Mikey]

At least they did not ask for all figures to be destroyed....

I see that they DO want copies of invoices with #'s sold though.. does that mean that they want the names/addresses of everyone you've ever sold to??? Do they bug them to return or destroy the figures??

I know someone who got a C & D from the BBC

They demanded the same thing, invoices, people sold too etc.

The person didn't turn anything in ... they just stopped selling .. the BBC never followed up on it.

Not sure if it will work in Marvels case though.

[Type3Toys]

This is such a funny occurrence around here. I understand that the custom world is mainly a fan generated just-for-the-fun-of-it sort of venture, but whenever you step outside the bounds of "hobbyist" and begin to SELL an idea that IS NOT YOURS, it seems sorta logical that those who OWN the idea may get a little upset. It's only natural.

I mean, if i was a fan of your work and started selling my own Type 3 body modeled after yours and called it a "Type 3 Body"--would THAT be cool?

Or better yet could you imagine the ****storm that would arise if a "fan" of the Mego Museum were to create their own Mego Museum custom trading card and then try to sell it on eBay?

Please read this reply carefully as to not misinterprate it
Although I get what you are implying, and by no means argue my copyright infringement on characters, there is still a huge difference in a 3 dimentional, poseable interpertation of a 1 dimentional drawing, than pouring rubber over someones work and making an exact replica of something...in any size.
I am not, REPEAT NOT, trying to justify what I have done in any way.

[Seeker]

At least they did not ask for all figures to be destroyed....

I see that they DO want copies of invoices with #'s sold though.. does that mean that they want the names/addresses of everyone you've ever sold to??? Do they bug them to return or destroy the figures??

I wonder if they will ask him to pay something for everyone he sold..

[toys2cool]

At least they did not ask for all figures to be destroyed....

I see that they DO want copies of invoices with #'s sold though.. does that mean that they want the names/addresses of everyone you've ever sold to??? Do they bug them to return or destroy the figures??

He doesn't really have to send anything, i know i would'nt. That may be the way they trap you in case they decide to try and sue you or something. Tell them they're are so expensive that you haven't sold one yet

[Mikey]

I'm wondering if it might be better to just keep quiet have no dialog with them and maybe they'll go away.

I'm no lawyer, but it seems to me answering their C & D might do more harm then good - In the long run.

Just a thought with no basis in fact.

[Type3Toys]

I'm wondering if it might be better to just keep quiet have no dialog with them and maybe they'll go away.

I'm no lawyer, but it seems to me answering their C & D might do more harm then good - In the long run.

Just a thought with no basis in fact.

You could be right. I have been in contact with a few people trying to decide what to do. Either way, I have to go away.