j4str 9 Posted August 8, 2011 First let me explain my situation. I bought a vinyl cutter for my personal use. I started etching some glasses for myself and pretty quick friends and family wanted some. It just grew from there. I etch a ton of beer mugs for friends and acquaintances. Probably 90% of what i etch are trademarked graphics. People want their favorite team on a sports mug. This is only to people i know. I've been wanting to do some festivals/park vending, but i don't want to use trademarked graphics. What are some popular graphics i could put on mugs to sell. Only thing i can think of is a pot leaf. I know that's popular, but what other things could i make up? Maybe a dragonfly? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted August 8, 2011 First let me explain my situation. I bought a vinyl cutter for my personal use. I started etching some glasses for myself and pretty quick friends and family wanted some. It just grew from there. I etch a ton of beer mugs for friends and acquaintances. Probably 90% of what i etch are trademarked graphics. People want their favorite team on a sports mug. This is only to people i know. I've been wanting to do some festivals/park vending, but i don't want to use trademarked graphics. What are some popular graphics i could put on mugs to sell. Only thing i can think of is a pot leaf. I know that's popular, but what other things could i make up? Maybe a dragonfly? The star of life is in the public domain and anyone in the medical field might buy one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j4str 9 Posted August 8, 2011 thanks for the that, thats a good one so far my list: shamrock pot leaf dragon fly christian related graphics star of life highschool logos one other question, what are the rules on changing copyrighted graphics. For example, I live in oregon and everyone wants oregon ducks stuff. The oregon O is owned by nike and donald duck is disney (the 2 most sue happy companies from what i hear) Can i put a generic O a generic duck, and write ducks on it. Can i Write oregon ducks, if its a generic font? Or UO? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pistonpump 6 Posted August 8, 2011 I would consult with a lawyer or someone who specializes in copyright laws. I personally wouldn't take the risk. Geo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stetson5331 80 Posted August 8, 2011 +1 even a product that makes you think of the original one it's a cw offense as well..If I have read it right..It's called image something or another.. Now why if it makes me think of the orig and it's not the orig would that be CW infringment? A hot day makes me think of a Bud light so can a person be sued for a hot day...The impossibilities are endless...LMAO!! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted August 8, 2011 thanks for the that, thats a good one so far my list: shamrock pot leaf dragon fly christian related graphics star of life highschool logos one other question, what are the rules on changing copyrighted graphics. For example, I live in oregon and everyone wants oregon ducks stuff. The oregon O is owned by nike and donald duck is disney (the 2 most sue happy companies from what i hear) Can i put a generic O a generic duck, and write ducks on it. Can i Write oregon ducks, if its a generic font? Or UO? Anything not made by yourself .. is copied . So the question is how much of a gamble you want to take on altering copyrighted stuff wihtout legal permission . Selling to the public puts you right on the front battle line . Like what has been said many times , MAny get away with VERY blatant stuff ... some don't . I suggest making personalized stuff from clipart that is free to use . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted August 8, 2011 +1 even a product that makes you think of the original one it's a cw offense as well..If I have read it right..It's called image something or another.. Now why if it makes me think of the orig and it's not the orig would that be CW infringment? A hot day makes me think of a Bud light so can a person be sued for a hot day...The impossibilities are endless...LMAO!! @ Stetty ... I have read the same thing .. it is " IF " the image makes you think of the copyrighted image .. that is infringement .. I know many things make you think of other things Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted August 8, 2011 There are tons of vinyl ready clipart disc with lots of graphics on them I saw several on eBay with 400 images for 20.00 so you may want to buy some and come up with your own slogan to go with them skulls,skeletons,motorcycles all seem to be popular. Just a thought. Dan 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Promise 38 Posted August 8, 2011 I second the skulls. My most popular decal I sell is a very generic skull and crossbones. Nothing special about it but it sells like hot cakes. Figured same would be true if put on a beer mug. Another one is fairies, they are always popular. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted August 9, 2011 And butterflys,animals,etc. Like I said buy a couple disc . There is a link I think in graphic request with 900 pcs. Of clipart free to download. Dan 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted August 9, 2011 I second the skulls. My most popular decal I sell is a very generic skull and crossbones. Nothing special about it but it sells like hot cakes. Figured same would be true if put on a beer mug. Another one is fairies, they are always popular. My buddy Bay has a extensive collection of fairies . He especially like them in PINK Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j4str 9 Posted August 9, 2011 so far my list shamrock pot leaf bob marley dragon fly christian cross jesus star of life some highschool logos shocker paw prints recycle mexican flag smurfs alf virgin mary bob marley skulls skull crossbones fairies heres a pic of a non copyrighted mug Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted August 9, 2011 How about Bob Marley ? Where is that bison ranch at ? seems a place in Baltimore was selling meat from a ranch named that . I would love to buy a baby buffalo at an affordable cost . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j4str 9 Posted August 9, 2011 How about Bob Marley ? Where is that bison ranch at ? seems a place in Baltimore was selling meat from a ranch named that . I would love to buy a baby buffalo at an affordable cost . oops bob marley on there twice. The place i have in mind to sell these is full of stinky smelly hippies and they love bob marley.......... Also, alf and smurfs i assume are copywritten, but somehow i doubt id get in trouble for that. Alf just seems so random that i think some people would like the randomness and have to have it. http://silverdollarbisonranch.com/ My moms boyfriends ranch, here in oregon. I surprised him with 2 free mugs and he loved them so much that he paid for 6 more. Some of you guys might be interested in getting into these. Most time consuming part is the vinyl. The sandblasting is quick and makes for a pretty good markup. I buy them for $1 and sell them for $10 and everyone tells me they are too cheap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted August 9, 2011 Maybe you can sell some soap & water also ? I make mugs also & there are many here that already do also . It is a nice litle gig Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j4str 9 Posted August 9, 2011 how about the kokopelli graphics. Just google it, you'll recognize it. Little tribal man dancing with a flute. Or the theater masks? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites