UP licensing fees

[Anonymous]

Do you think that UP wopuld be shooting themselves in the foot by charging for the use of its logos?

[AntonioFP45]

Basically yes but with a BB gun instead of a "heavier duty" weapon.

UP executives are primarily interested in profit margins, economic trends and shareholders. Model railroaders are likely not high up on their PR list. However, movies, commercials, magazine ads, and backdrops presently and in the past have used UP equipment, trains, buildings, objects.........that contained that famous logo. Public relationswise, there would definetly be an effect.

I've read the threads regarding UP and to a point I agree, BUT we shouldn't slam the entire organization as the "trademark flap" was started by a few "harboiled" business professionals in the company. The other 98% of the employess and managers are likely dedicated, and probably disgusted with the actions of their "out of touch" superiors.

[dave9999]

I choose " I dont know" because " I dont care" wasn't an option. Dave

[Anonymous]

I'll keep that option in mind for future polls.

[Anonymous]

Nope. We are the bottom of the food chain. Shippers will ship the cheapest means possible and we're not even on their radars.

This makes a good story for about a day in the media but some other story comes along and this will be an amusement to most. Remember if it doesn't impact on someone they won't care after the initial shock or amusement and as we are a very small group of individuals without a lobby group with clout we're not going to have much effect on anything or anyone. With all the woes in the world this is not noteworthy in the grand scheme of things.

[Anonymous]

Here here, Dave9999

[CBQ_Guy]

I don't have a problem with companies charging a reasonable fee for using and protecting their logos, etc. We pay for this all the time and don't realize it anyway on so many other products. I think where UP screwed up and created so much animosity is that they came in like a bull in a china shop and started acting like they were ready to lay down the law and start bustin' heads. Nobody likes a bully!

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dave9999

I choose " I dont know" because " I dont care" wasn't an option. Dave

Allow me to elaborate, [B)]
I haven't responded to the last 10 topics about this situation. The reason being that it's pointless. If Union Pacific is going to charge for use of it's logo, they will. We can discuss this till we're blue in the face. I personally do not model or buy UP merchandise. And if I did, I would simply except the fact that they are WELL within their rights to enforce their copyrighted logo. I really don't understand all the hoopla.
At worst, manufactures will tack on a buck to the price of a RTR boxcar that's already overpriced.

Here's an example. Below is a picture of me (I apologize in advance for making
you look at it[X-)])


In this picture I'm wearing a cap. It's just 98% cotton, 2% spandex. That's it. nothing more! Probably about $1.00 worth of material, and that's giving the manufacture the benefit of the doubt. I paid $17.99 for this piece of cotton and spandex. Why? Because it has a University of Florida logo on the front and a Nike logo on the back. So my point is that someone charging for the use of it's logo is nothing new. Just new to model railroading. Dave

[IRONROOSTER]

Actually, their logo is trademarked not copyrighted. Copyrights expire. Trademarks have a different set of rules. Primarily trademarks are to identify either a product or service with the company providing same. And as long as the public isn't confused there is no infringement. Unfortunately there are other rules concerning dilution and tarnishment. State laws may be involved also. I'm not a lawyer so I can't give you all ins and outs. A big part of the problem is that UP may be overstepping their rights, especially with older logos from merged lines that they haven't used, but the average model railroad manufacturer doesn't have the means to fight them. Maybe the MRIA can do something on behalf of all MR manufacturers. But in the end we'll probably be stuck for higher prices at least for some items.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

I really don't see why we need 15 topics about this situation. Let UP charge money for the use of their logo (NO, I DON'T SUPPORT THEM), we'll see who winds up happy in the end, the RR, or the modelers (i hope it's us!)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

I really don't see why we need 15 topics about this situation.

This wasn't supposed to be a topic, just a poll, but it seems to have turned into yet another topic.

[CP5415]

I doubt this will do anything but ruffle a few feathers.
If people want UP labeled products bad enough , people will pay for them no matter what.

Gordon

[dave9999]

QUOTE: Originally posted by IRONROOSTER

Actually, their logo is trademarked not copyrighted.

Whatever. My point is that the logo belongs to UP. If they charge for others to put
it on their products, not only are they entitled, but IMO they are smart. Now, I've read the argument that modelers are advertising for UP. Not true. If anything it's the UP logo that is selling the product. Someone who models UP is going to walk into a hobby shop looking for products with the UP logo. That helps sell the product.

But, as I said before this whole discussion is pointless. It's business, and that's all. None of us are going to change a giant corporation's mind. Sad, but true.
Dave

[Anonymous]

Your poll is pointless. UP is being stupid and arragoant - their corporate prfile since their inception - and could achieve their legitimate goal of protecting their trademark by making model RR companies sign a free licensing agreement. However, I guarantee you that not a single UP customer will change their shipper because of this issue. I also am very confident that the seeming thousands of UP model railroaders will end up accepting higher costs for their factory-decorated models.

[trolleyboy]

Chessie did it in the eighties modlers shunned them for a while and then got over it.In the end they were absorbed by another CSX and the modeling goes on. my 2cents.TB

[Anonymous]

I thought this whole thing was dead and buried but looks as someone sent Igor out to the cemetery to dig it UP. So I say throw the dirt back on the box and let it rest you and I are not going to change anything about this.