Web Design Forums

Soup Of The Day · 02-04-2008, 15:34

The Rubik's Cube was invented back in the 70's, and is definitely under some copyrights, but there are litterally hundreds of clones.

My question is, do you think I could I use an image like this one in some printed marketing material?

Loyalist · 02-04-2008, 15:46

That's entirely upto you. Obviously the marketing causes customer attraction so at the end of the day, it's making you/your business money and thus is illegal. If you was using it in a web banner or for something strictly non-commercial, I wouldn't see a problem.

In my opinion there are too many people out there that know what a rubix cube is (Yes, even in this day and age

) and there's bound to be one loser that will pull either you or the rightful people.

In my opinion, Create your own. Do a simple vector that captures the shape and design but try and make less similar to the real thing. They can't copyright the overall shape now, can they

Do Gooder · 02-04-2008, 15:47

i ain't no expert.. but would guess it depends on the context.

don't go of the fact that there's rubik clones... it's near impossible to impose copyright/patents in the likes of Vietnam - and just as hard to stop the imports.

one way to test the water is to see if there's any stock shot sites selling images featuring rubik cubes

i can remember producing a logo that featured an outline of a 'Quink' ink bottle.. got the "don't quote me, but you'll be OK" from the copyright lawyers on that one.

Soup Of The Day · 04-04-2008, 09:52

I followed your advice, Do Gooder, and checked some of the popular Stock Photo sites. It looks like none of them have a Rubik's Cube picture on them, which tells me they would be violating copyrights if they did. Scratch that idea!

Thanks guys.

Pugsley · 04-04-2008, 10:05

similar topic but diff0erent product. I worked for a magazine a while back which was designed by a one man band design company. On his website he had an image of a tic tac box which had changed so it said tac tics? Surely thats a violation of copyright as well.

Do Gooder · 04-04-2008, 10:13

probably - as he is messing with a more than likley trademarked logo and possibly patented sweety case?

folks tend to factor in whether the owners of the copyright will notice/care enough to file some sort of cease and desist/damages claim.

d*d · 04-04-2008, 12:03

There's a removal firm by me which uses the incredibles in all it's marketing material (including van graphics) and i'm guessing they didn't ask Pixar or Disney first

02-04-2008, 15:34	#1 (permalink)
Soup Of The Day Non Stop Pop Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 938	Rubik's Cube as a design element - copyright issues? The Rubik's Cube was invented back in the 70's, and is definitely under some copyrights, but there are litterally hundreds of clones. My question is, do you think I could I use an image like this one in some printed marketing material?

04-04-2008, 10:05	#5 (permalink)
Pugsley L'me at'em. L'me at'em. Join Date: May 2007 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland Posts: 2,248	similar topic but diff0erent product. I worked for a magazine a while back which was designed by a one man band design company. On his website he had an image of a tic tac box which had changed so it said tac tics? Surely thats a violation of copyright as well. __________________ If your colours are starting to run, let them all run, run away from you. Flux - Bloc Party Design Never Dies A message to newcomers. This is not google. Before you ask us here why not try typing it into google. 60% of the time it works every time.

04-04-2008, 10:13	#6 (permalink)
Do Gooder Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,438	probably - as he is messing with a more than likley trademarked logo and possibly patented sweety case? folks tend to factor in whether the owners of the copyright will notice/care enough to file some sort of cease and desist/damages claim. Last edited by Do Gooder : 04-04-2008 at 10:32.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

02-04-2008, 15:46	#2 (permalink)
Loyalist Designer Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Liverpool Posts: 179	That's entirely upto you. Obviously the marketing causes customer attraction so at the end of the day, it's making you/your business money and thus is illegal. If you was using it in a web banner or for something strictly non-commercial, I wouldn't see a problem. In my opinion there are too many people out there that know what a rubix cube is (Yes, even in this day and age ) and there's bound to be one loser that will pull either you or the rightful people. In my opinion, Create your own. Do a simple vector that captures the shape and design but try and make less similar to the real thing. They can't copyright the overall shape now, can they

02-04-2008, 15:47	#3 (permalink)
Do Gooder Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,438	i ain't no expert.. but would guess it depends on the context. don't go of the fact that there's rubik clones... it's near impossible to impose copyright/patents in the likes of Vietnam - and just as hard to stop the imports. one way to test the water is to see if there's any stock shot sites selling images featuring rubik cubes i can remember producing a logo that featured an outline of a 'Quink' ink bottle.. got the "don't quote me, but you'll be OK" from the copyright lawyers on that one.

04-04-2008, 09:52	#4 (permalink)
Soup Of The Day Non Stop Pop Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 938	I followed your advice, Do Gooder, and checked some of the popular Stock Photo sites. It looks like none of them have a Rubik's Cube picture on them, which tells me they would be violating copyrights if they did. Scratch that idea! Thanks guys.

04-04-2008, 12:03	#7 (permalink)
d*d Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bristol Posts: 3,285	There's a removal firm by me which uses the incredibles in all it's marketing material (including van graphics) and i'm guessing they didn't ask Pixar or Disney first

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)