Which one symbol would you choose? HELP!

[AmatoryMusic]

I'm trying to make a little money this next year and decided to use a skill I learned in the summer. In a nutshell, I'm making stones with each organization's greek letters carved into them. But since I'm only in Kappa Kappa Psi, it would be nice to have some other input from other GLO's.

Here's what I have so far...

Kappa Alpha Psi - scroll w/ Phi Nu Pi
Alpha Phi Alpha - Pharoh head
Phi Beta Sigma - Dove
Iota Phi Theta - Centaur
Omega Psi Phi - ? maybe a lamp? or sword? lighting bolt? trying to stay away from the dog though, only because I don't want the stone to look cartoony in any way. But I could draw it differently if that's the only thing any one can think of.

Alpha Kappa Alpha - Ivy Leaf
Delta Sigma Theta - Elephant
Sigma Gamma Rho - Poodle
Zeta Phi Beta - Siamese Cat (suggested by a Sigma)

It would also be nice if other NIC members and NPH members chimed in.

[UGAalum94]

If you go into at least some of the NPC groups, I think that you are going to have to try to get official permission because they have product licensing rules and contracts.

But I don't know for sure.

[DSTRen13]

Originally Posted by AlphaGamUGAAlum

If you go into at least some of the NPC groups, I think that you are going to have to try to get official permission because they have product licensing rules and contracts.

But I don't know for sure.

This holds true for pretty much all organizations. But if he/she is careful about how it is presented and done, it shouldn't be an issue. For example, putting a dove on a stone, not a big deal. Putting a scroll with Phi Nu Pi on a stone ... probably an issue.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by DSTRen13

This holds true for pretty much all organizations. But if he/she is careful about how it is presented and done, it shouldn't be an issue. For example, putting a dove on a stone, not a big deal. Putting a scroll with Phi Nu Pi on a stone ... probably an issue.

I'm not really sure of all the licenseing rules, but my suggestion is to follow DSTRen's advice. Put the symbols on there, but leave the letters off.

Although, I do think it would be appropriate to have examples with all of the symbols and let people know that you can add letters on at their request, and do it on an "order" basis. Like I said, I'm not sure of the licensing rules, but being that we make our own paddles and picture frames, etc with letters, so I don't see how requesting someone put letters on something with your symbol on it would violate that.

[UGAalum94]

I'm pretty sure that my own org. draws a line at making a profit on the item. So, although any member can make lettered items, even a member shouldn't sell them at a profit to other members without the license.

And we're discouraged from buying items that don't have the official licensing or whatever from IHQ if I remember correctly.

But of course, nobody owns generic images of roses, squirrels, or pearls. But if it's clear that the list is one of Greek organization symbols, it would seem lame and not-quite-above-board to me not to seek the licensing.

[AmatoryMusic]

didn't think of the licensing stuff, i'll have to look more into that...

this is the stone i carved already. of course, removing KAY wouldn't be difficult, to avoid licensing issues, but that would sort of take the effect away. should i call the national headquarters?

[UGAalum94]

Nice work.

If you want to sell it at a profit, you probably should.

[DSTRen13]

National/International HQ for each org should have contact info for who to talk to regarding licensing information. Good luck!

(I do think that stones with just the symbols but without the letters would look nice, tho'.)

[Tom Earp]

Nice concept and I like it.

Not sure of the license issues with just the name though.

If you do have to, I think it is at least a 10 % fee.

But I am sure if you check, it will give you a better idea of name usage.

But hard to license greek letters. They have been around for a while!

[AmatoryMusic]

okay now back to my original question, are the symbols mentioned at the beginning okay? and what about the omegas?

[rhoyaltempest]

Originally Posted by AmatoryMusic

okay now back to my original question, are the symbols mentioned at the beginning okay? and what about the omegas?

I would talk to active members of these organizations to be sure of what symbol is most popular or preferred, but for us the poodle (doesn't matter what type, big or small) is definitely the way to go. You could also customize by taking orders. Some members will prefer one symbol over another and I believe that all of the NPHC orgs have other symbols besides the ones that are most popular. Good luck!

[Senusret I]

The Pharaoh head for Alpha would be just fine.

I had to admit, this is the most unique Greek idea I've seen in quite a long while.

[KAPital PHINUst]

Originally Posted by AmatoryMusic

didn't think of the licensing stuff, i'll have to look more into that...

this is the stone i carved already. of course, removing KAY wouldn't be difficult, to avoid licensing issues, but that would sort of take the effect away. should i call the national headquarters?

Personally, I like the stone with all the letters on it. Also, personally while I think that by removing Phi Nu Pi off the scroll, it loses an essential aspect of it's "flavor", so to speak, I don't know if the inscription Phi Nu Pi is trademarked. By the same token, I also don't want to see you in a jam over a misunderstanding, so perhaps an inquiry to our IHQ would be the best thing to do, especially if you trying to make $$ off these stones.

Good luck on the sale of your stones.

[PrettyBoy]

That KAY stone is nice. I would leave it just like that. Just follow up and do everything the legal and right way. Good luck. I wish you the best of success.

[AmatoryMusic]

these are two other stones, more are coming, hope an omega sees this thread soon...