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

[Marcus Hortensius Castus]

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

McDonalds is another. ...Except in the UK where THE MacDonald, who actually owns the name [and its variant spellings], gave permission to the burger chain to use it...

Hibernicus

The difference being that these are massive corporate companies that probably have little to no respect for the histories of their namesakes. If someone came out with a Nike Shoe company, they'd have worries; if someone opened a Nike Gym, or whatnot, there would be no grounds for a suit on the part of Nike Shoe company, and if they tried, the Public Domain argument would work.

On a side note, since when was Roman (or any) reenacting even slightly comparable to massive corporations and their immoral and perverse legal maneuvering? I've said before what I feel I'll say a thousand times, the community is too small for rifts and senseless argument, when our interests boil down to the same, or similar, things that could be used to the benefit of all instead of against each other. Takes all the fun out of the hobby.

On a topical note, if indeed I 'designed' a legion's shield and saw another group had mimicked it, I would be flattered and strike up conversation with them. Means they have good taste :wink:

[Robert]

Ehhhh, guys (and galls), could we bury this one, please? This horse has been so well clubbed to death any more beating will turn it's appearance into roadkill. Several lawyers have had their say on the legalities. Let's leave it .....

[Tarbicus]

if indeed I 'designed' a legion's shield and saw another group had mimicked it, I would be flattered and strike up conversation with them. Means they have good taste :wink:

Well said, and indicative of true scholarship. Laudes.

[Iace]

I don't know if anyone has said this, but if your in the us than you could get a creative commons license, really easy and free....you choose the terms, it takes like 5 minutes!

[jkaler48]

I don't know if anyone has said this, but if your in the us than you could get a creative commons license, really easy and free....you choose the terms, it takes like 5 minutes!

So Jace you going to law school someday? You seem quite knowledgeable for a guy your age.

[Iace]

lol, no...hopefully med school tho! (: (I did just read a Grisham novel if that counts, "the firm")

[jkaler48]

lol, no...hopefully med school tho! (: (I did just read a Grisham novel if that counts, "the firm")

Well the Legions always need Doctors too. You should look into getting a set
of Roman medical instruments to take to reenactments. Just think: Hands on experience!

[MARCvSVIBIvSMAvRINvS]

I am Roman, therefore all finds are MINE, all buildings and ruins are MINE, all legionary shield emblems are MINE too!

so, pay up you fake Romans!


LOL.........

this discussion in itself is useless, since you cannot copyright ancient material or even your own inventions of possible and probable shield emblems.

and they who do so should be sold into slavery immediately.

M.VIB.M.

COSVIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMDCCCCCCIIXIIIIDDCCMMIIIIIII

[Rodoric]

like Confucius said :

''When the Roman are speaking about money , the barbarian are crossing the rhine river''

but i'm not sure about this ''source''

[Iace]

Yeah, well I just wrote a 4 page research paper on roman medicine, it actually led me to this site...indirectly of course. Is there anywhere were I can post the file?

[Iace]

Sorry, I found the final draft, just over 4 pages!

Thanks all for downloading it!

[Magnus]

Thank you Jace for posting it! Generosity like that is what makes this forum great...a laudes point for you good sir!

[Paullus Scipio]

Yes, thanks from me too Jace....Roman medical instruments were even more sophisticated than you describe though. Are you familiar with the sets found at Pompeii/Herculaneum? Many specialised and sometimes intricate surgical instruments are present, including a complex gynaecological dilator/spiculum that would not look out of place in a modern surgery....... hock: hock:

[Dan Diffendale]

ncluding a complex gynaecological dilator/spiculum that would not look out of place in a modern surgery....... hock: hock:

hock: hock: is right... I think you meant speculum; a spiculum is an entirely different beast!