Copyright Permission--Anyone Ever Get?

Business By lhayes1976 Updated 26 Apr 2009 , 9:45pm by 3GCakes

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lhayes1976 Posted 24 Apr 2009 , 5:32pm
post #1 of 16

Has anyone ever actually asked for copyright permission and received it? I would like to make some Ky. Derby Cookies and would like to use their image. I'm sure if I ask, they would probably say sure, for million bucks.

15 replies
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PinkZiab Posted 24 Apr 2009 , 5:51pm
post #2 of 16

Yeah it's not usually a matter of "asking permission." For most things you have to pay HUGE licensing fees (starting in the tens of thousands and going way way up, depending on what it is) and there is also an approval process... they would want to know precisely what the image/logo would be used on and it would likely ONLY be licensed for that item (meaning if you licensed a logo to use on cookies, it can only be used on cookies and you would need separate licensing to put it on cakes, or cupcakes--unless you had a blanket "baked good license." You wouldn't be able to get permission to use it on cookies, and then in turn make t-shirts with the logo). The average small business person simply can't afford this type of licensing.

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Marina Posted 24 Apr 2009 , 5:52pm
post #3 of 16

Yes!!! My son wanted to enter the OSSAS last year and wanted to make an R2D2 (he's a huge Star Wars fan). I've heard that since it's telecast on Food Network sometimes, that we would need to get permission. He sent them a certified letter and they replied back (rather quickly, I might add) saying yes. All they wanted in return was a photo of it.

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karateka Posted 24 Apr 2009 , 6:05pm
post #4 of 16

I've gotten permission to use a university logo and to use the GM Saturn Sky logo and body shape for a cake. It was given as a one shot deal, and I can't use it again unless I apply again. But sometimes they do say yes. Can't hurt to ask, right?

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sari66 Posted 24 Apr 2009 , 10:25pm
post #5 of 16

I asked for and receieved permission for several pro team cakes and college cakes, all you have to do is ask and they'll most likely say yes and it's a one time deal. If needed again you have to ask again.

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leah_s Posted 25 Apr 2009 , 1:23am
post #6 of 16

Yes! I asked a local company to use their logo on a birthday cake and they said yes. I had a bridal couple get written permission from their university for a groom's cake.

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kellertur Posted 25 Apr 2009 , 10:48pm
post #7 of 16

How would you find out "who" to contact? I've been asked to do a Transformer groom's cake and am worried about copyright infringement. Should I just go to the website????

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karateka Posted 25 Apr 2009 , 11:10pm
post #8 of 16

The website is a good start. If they can't help, they can steer you in the right direction.

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shanasweets Posted 26 Apr 2009 , 4:34am
post #9 of 16

I don't understand the OSSAS thing. YOu can use a copyrighted image if your not selling it. I saw lots at the OSSAS that were trade marked, there was the greatest cake carved out like that squirrel from ice age.

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txsteph Posted 26 Apr 2009 , 4:47am
post #10 of 16

This might be a dumb question, but I made an El Camino cake for my dads birthday, should I have asked for a copyright? Or do you only have to ask about them if you are selling the cakes? I only bake for fun for family & friends and I pay for all supplies, for right now. Does any of this apply to something I would make?

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KawaiiCakeCook Posted 26 Apr 2009 , 4:52am
post #11 of 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marina

Yes!!! My son wanted to enter the OSSAS last year and wanted to make an R2D2 (he's a huge Star Wars fan). I've heard that since it's telecast on Food Network sometimes, that we would need to get permission. He sent them a certified letter and they replied back (rather quickly, I might add) saying yes. All they wanted in return was a photo of it.




Lucas Films is notorious for their willingness to allow fans to use the star war images, one of the best examples is they gave permission to Family Guy to make a spoof of Star Wars. Lucas films understands that their fans are some of their best advertisers. That by using their image the fans keep the story and the love of the movie alive. Opposite example would of course be WB, when fans of Harry Potter received letters threatening them if they did not stop using images of Harry Potter(WB has since changed its policy). So it really does depend on the company.

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txsteph Posted 26 Apr 2009 , 5:05am
post #12 of 16

I plan to make an Ohio State cake for my sisters b-day coming up .. will I need copyright for that if I do not sell cakes? I am kinda confused as to who needs to get copyrights & who does not.

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karateka Posted 26 Apr 2009 , 11:39am
post #13 of 16

I understand that if you are not selling it, and not posting it on your website for advertisement, then you don't need copyright permission. But I'm not a lawyer.

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kellertur Posted 26 Apr 2009 , 3:38pm
post #14 of 16

Can you post them on your website if there is clear note stating they aren't *sold*, just used to demonstrate ability? If not, I have some deleting to do... icon_redface.gif

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karateka Posted 26 Apr 2009 , 9:30pm
post #15 of 16

I'm not a lawyer, so I don't know the answer to that for sure. I guess it could come down to the company. If they feel you are gaining business off of representing their copyrighted product or intellectual property.....then they will probably say something to you. Maybe a "cease and desist" letter....maybe more, I don't know. I do run a business and won't post a cake of a copyrighted image unless I can put a "used with permission" statement right there with it. But I'm covering my own posterior.....I don't really know for sure what would cause you trouble.

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3GCakes Posted 26 Apr 2009 , 9:45pm
post #16 of 16

Wow!! I would never think that some of the things would so easy to get! Who would have thought?

It definitely makes it worth while to try and make every cake legit. I'm very encouraged by the success people have had with the copyright images!

I have someone who wants me to make a "Monster's Inc" cake in September...now I am thinking of saying yes. With permission of the "Monters, INc." people of course. I guess it never hurts to try!

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