05-03-2008, 04:58 AM
Quote: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:
"Marcus Hortensius Castus"
or, to those interested,
"Kyle Horton"
formerly Horton III
or, to those interested,
"Kyle Horton"
formerly Horton III
