Copyright Shield Designs ?

[Paullus Scipio]

Hibernicus wrote:-

Companies like Nike trademark an historic name for a specific use.

....(sigh!! ).....without wishing to turn this thread into a 'lawyerin' debate, that's a bit of a misunderstanding. The word "Nike" has come to be associated with footwear in the modern world, and it is this concept that they may (and even then, maybe not) be able to copyright, and certainly their 'swoosh' logo. They cannot copyright the word in its original sense of the Greek Goddess of victory ( of whom many Nike-wearers will never have heard)
As for McDonalds, they simply can't copyright a name.....though they do try, using that "expense" factor. Here for example, not long ago they sued a guy for sponsoring a local Rugby League team, and emblazoning the word "McDONALD'S" across their backsides......they should have looked closer, because in full it read:-
" McDONALD'S
lawyers "
They lost big-time, and ended with some very expensive egg on their faces !!!

Complicated subject, and as has been said, not really appropriate for us to be seriously looking into. For my part, I don't believe you could successfully copright an original ancient shield design, or even a design that closely resembled one, though you might be able to copyright a unique design that wasn't too closely based on an ancient original, provided you could get over all the relevant proof hurdles.....

AS EVER: The above is not legal advice. If involved in copyright issues, a complex subject, please seek specific independent legal advice