quote:
Originally posted by Microbiomajor:
I went to my national conference last year (KD) and we had a discussion about all of this. They actually told us it is illegal to sell the pins (badges) because they are actually property of the National Organization, and only borrowed by the member.
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Thought...could the sellers be prosecuted? If they are selling something that it's illegal to sell...bad comparison, but I'm sure if someone was selling wacky weed on ebay they would be prosecuted quite quickly!
Just some more info to consider:
The sellers cannot be prosecuted! Once a trademarked item has reached the second-hand market - i.e. flea market, antique sale, estate sale, eBay, etc., meaning the original owner who purchased it NEW has sold it to someone else, who is now selling it - the trademark rights and copyrights change. The owner of the marks doesn't retain the right to say who may own or purchase any longer.
An example that might be clearer:
If I buy a brand-new "officially licensed" Dallas Cowboys t-shirt from Oshman's Sporting Goods, I pay a price that includes the royalty fee, which the Cowboys get because it is a licensed product and they own the logo.
If my mom later decides the t-shirt is ratty and donates it to Goodwill, who re-sells it for $3, the Dallas Cowboys don't get a cut of that, nor can they tell Goodwill not to sell it.
IMHO: whether or not a badge/pin/manual is being sold on eBay will not change what it means to me and my sisters! A pin collector can buy all he/she wants, but he/she won't have the rights and responsibilities and memories and meanings of the fraternity/sorority.
Now, here's another question...
what's the general feeling about non-ritual Greek stuff on eBay? keychains, hats, frames, etc.? the same merchandise that you can find in your campus store?
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Sterling Greek
Purveyors of Fine Greek Gifts
www.SterlingGreek.com
[This message has been edited by Texas Alum (edited February 10, 2001).]