Beware of Infringements when using car drawings

[Roboduck]

Just a note to all the AF artists.. I just removed my site in order to clean it up after receiving a threatening letter regarding VW's I drew and used on my web site (to sell drawings). I apparently infringed on the VW of A Trademark and images. I understood that using photographs of vehicles w/o license was an infringement; however, I didn't think a drawing was. I do know know that VW of America actively pursues those who violate that Trademark. Just a cautionary note to all... we have resolved the current issue, but please take note... it was worrisome for a couple of days. Robo

[xpeed]

^ Yes, Car Companies will come after you if you get caught drawing their "Pictures" and "shots" for your own profit. It's okay if you keep it or do it for yourself as long you don't profit from it.

This is why I don't accept jobs from people that wants me to draw them a specific picture of a car that is a trademark shot to the company.

Freehand your drawings, you will have lesser chance of being prosecuted.

Good to see they didn't sent you a lawsuit. See it as a warning, a slap on the wrist.

[sketches_of_b]

That's crazy how they come after the 'little' guy like you and me. If you'd be taking a photo and mass producing it/publishing it, I could understand, but one wimpy little drawing and they're sending you a threatening letter?! You'd think they would have better things to do than peruse websites looking for their images...

...next thing you know, they'll be telling us not to put emblems and logos in any rendering.

Oh well, thanks for the warning.

B

[sunsetclassics]

Yah that is crazy how they keep on top of that so well. Do they actually pay people to scoure the internet looking for copyright infringers? Hmmm, how could I get that job - looking at car sites all day.

I actually had a friend who was contacted about an image once too. From an artists perspective I can totally understand, but with a large company like VW you'd think they'd want people to use their emblem, it's like free advertising. I suppose though they'd be pretty picky on how it was being used.

Robo, when you get your site back up I'd love to see your work. I came across a photographer in Australia who had this fantastic shot of a Ghia among these twisted viney looking trees that I would love to have if he had that one for sale. (oops maybe I shouldn't say that someone may be watching. )

...

[Roboduck]

Well, I do believe that they found the site based on a search engine using "VW" or related terms for VW of America.. I had the cars titled. I doubt they would have stumbled onto a site that wasn't, by title, car related. No more titles and definately, no more VW's on the net. Robo

[GirlBear]

Originally Posted by Roboduck

Well, I do believe that they found the site based on a search engine using "VW" or related terms for VW of America.. I had the cars titled. I doubt they would have stumbled onto a site that wasn't, by title, car related. No more titles and definately, no more VW's on the net. Robo

but u know they were impressed. lol and isnt cool ur site is accessible like that? the fact that they hated on you(hood term) sucks tho