Quote:
Originally Posted by ontheaccount
I know there are several photographers on this site that had to get permission from GM to sell calendars with their own photographs.
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You make great points. But the reasoning behind GM's seeking the licensing fees was most likely because someone was wanting to profit from using GM likeness or logos or calling it a "Chevelle" or "Camaro" calander or something like that. The name belongs to GM.
In MOST instances, I have found GM and other marques very forgiving to car clubs and fan sites of their respective products limited free use of logos/nameplates. Like "Camaro5.com" or the Camaro/Chevy logos/images that are printed on flyers or letterheads announcing a club function, for example. I'm going out on a limb and figure GM didn't hammer the admin for naming royalties or for using a "bowtie" smilie in the forum icons. They COULD, but normally they don't risk biting the hand that feeds them over seemingly trivial fare. If they tighten that grip too tight, people might think badly of them and potential sales could suffer. So most car companies tend to like their fanbase and let them slide with limited use of their logos. But mind you, they watch for any misuse.
Nothing is truly "free" on the internet in most cases. Just got to be careful out there.
If you have a lawyer friend or something, pay him a couple of bucks to send the violating guy a cease and desist letter. I'll bet dime to donuts he'll take down your image.