Many are probably familiar with the Caution signs on dump trucks etc that say "Stack Back 100 feet" it with the word "Caution" on it. Well I was making some 4x4 Caution stickers, and they automatically get flagged. Maybe it is just me but last time I checked using the word Caution or making a Caution sign isn't a copyright violation. To test this theory I posted the exact same signs without the word "Caution" and they aren't flagged. Anyone know why the word Caution is flagged?

"Caution" has been trademarked by an individual who uses that registration in questionable efforts to drive shopkeepers (and CP's CUP staff) to pull out their hair.

One of the oldest topics in this forum.

Just search for "Caution" throughout this or all forums and you'll get a feel for the history of this.

Thanks for the quick reply/clearing that up. It sounds really absurd to me, next people will be trying to copyright "Warning" or "Danger".

I looked up his trademark info:

quote:

Mr. Vitello's registration (Federal Registration No. 2195828) is for the following goods and services: "men's and women's clothing, namely, boxer shorts, boxer briefs, briefs, thongs, lingerie, pajamas, nightshirts, robes and swimwear.

So in reality there should be no problems with stickers, but I understand from CP point of view to just block it period. Oh well. Thanks again.

Anytime this comes up - whoever replies (moderators note) make sure you tell the people this applies ONLY to clothes. CP should know this ... the court decision was clear, he was denied that protection for the general use of the word. CP might block it until they see what the item is - if not clothing, it should be just fine. And I think EVERYONE should make at least one product using the word CAUTION just to make that point.

quote:

Originally posted by barryk:
Anytime this comes up - whoever replies (moderators note) make sure you tell the people this applies ONLY to clothes.

It's not a topic I keep on top of as my works don't really center around this usage. It's not really anybody's job here to "inform" someone of what application this is in terms of what CP permits... because I haven't seen CP say exactly this.

I'm not saying it's not the case but I'm not going to present a position on behalf of a company I don't work for nor a rights-holder I'm not responsible to.

If CP wanted such a position to be clearly stated in the forums they haven't stated it to my knowledge. If they wanted moderators or shopkeepers to repeat a position on the matter... it's a memo I sure haven't seen.

Each shopkeeper is in charge of their own efforts to figure out a position on the subject because we're dealing with a combination of CP's policy, private agreement/s, and law. Taking it up with CP directly or your own attorney is advised at that point. The CUP Forum isn't going to cover enough territory to pick the details apart.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Blipfish,

quote:

Originally posted by barryk:
this applies ONLY to clothes. CP should know this ... the court decision was clear, he was denied that protection for the general use of the word.

Which may well be the defense you wish to mount in a court action should you wish to challenge him, but that does not mean that CP is prepared to pay large legal fees to defend our designs.

I read up on the case against him that he lost, and its true. But the anger/resentment should be directed at him not CP. CP is only making sure it doesn't end up in court, and loosing lots of money to court fees. It would be nice to get CP's help in fighting him for use of Caution on stickers etc, but in the realm of reality I don't see anything changing. Just my .02 .

Yup, the cost/benefit analysis probably goes something like this for CP (and similarly for you and I):
We can spend lots of money to win a case and the ability for our designers to use that word on designs in order to sell a few more products that will likely never come close to the cost of the lawsuit.
-Or-
Designers can use "Warning" in most cases and do just as well.

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: Teesed,

CAUTION!

The word caution is a battle not worth fighting.

There are more creative things to do.

BUT, if I win the lottery, I might just buy the "caution" guy out and turn ya'll loose.