Is having an iPod on a business card a tradmark violation?

[wordpress]

I have a photograph of the back of an iPod that I'd like to use on my business cards. I'm curious, would I be violating Apple's trademark if I did so?

[BridgeHands]

I have a photograph of the back of an iPod that I'd like to use on my business cards. I'm curious, would I be violating Apple's trademark if I did so?

Clever idea but sorry, I'd have to say "Yes, doubley so." The back has two trademarks, both the strongly and distrinctive branded Apple symbol as well as the iPod trademark with their usual font - no doubt they are taking their marking seriously (as always).

Whether or not Apple thinks you or I are a threat to them, they certainly can't afford not to take their trademarks seriously and loose them in the marketplace.

Now then, if your salesware said something like, "Our podcasts work best with an ipod," that's a horse of another color.

Good luck, Michael

[wordpress]

What if I Photoshop those logos out? :wink:

[BridgeHands]

What if I Photoshop those logos out? :wink:

Great - then you'll be squeaky clean. Better yet, consider either inserting words with your existing logo/brand/etc, or adding something that add prestige to you and your company like:

The leading WordPress audiocast for bloggers around the world

I'm sure you're creative juices can do better...

Regards, Michael

[WyethDigital]

But the back of an iPod?

I'd like to see the design concept of the card when you're done with it, because I'm having a hard time picturing what a chrome block is going to say about your podcast. And I'm not trying to sound sarcastic about it. I seriously am trying to visualize it! Please do share when you're done!

:)

Eric

[Shawn]

I have a photograph of the back of an iPod that I'd like to use on my business cards. I'm curious, would I be violating Apple's trademark if I did so?
There are other podcasters who are using various iPod images on their business cards. As far as I know, nobody's had any problems. I have heard podcasters complain about handing out these cards in public, and people look at them and immediately come back with, "But I don't have an iPod." That's a whole other kind of problem, but it is something to consider.

As far as the legality of things, just don't hand out any cards while you're in Cupertino, and you should be OK!

[wordpress]

Here's a rough idea of what I was thinking I'd do:

http://charlesstricklin.com/images/Business-Card-Front-Small.png

You and I can tell it's clearly an iPod Nano, but there are no distinguishing logos and if someone didn't know better, it could be any portable media device.

[WyethDigital]

Here's a rough idea of what I was thinking I'd do:

http://charlesstricklin.com/images/Business-Card-Front-Small.png

You and I can tell it's clearly an iPod Nano, but there are no distinguishing logos and if someone didn't know better, it could be any portable media device.
Yeah, that's a nice card. Visually appealing, elegant and simple.

Eric

[Seuss]

Psst...

On a related note...

http://lorelle.wordpress.com/2006/10/26/using-wordpress-in-your-domain-name-dont/

[Marilynfan]

But the back of an iPod?

I'd like to see the design concept of the card when you're done with it, because I'm having a hard time picturing what a chrome block is going to say about your podcast. And I'm not trying to sound sarcastic about it. I seriously am trying to visualize it! Please do share when you're done!

:)

Eric

Here is an example of what the chrome back of an iPod says about my podcast... http://mymarilyn.ca

[WyethDigital]

That's a well done iPod!

I officially stand corrected!


Eric