Issue link: https://docs.hic.us/i/403552
have open rights to reproduce the principle business logos. But many times, specialty logos have been licensed to certain agents for reproduction, and thus the local dealer does not have rights to reproduce those particular images. Licensing In order to protect, control and profit from their intellectual properties, many organizations such as Universities, Professional Sports Clubs, NASCAR, and even consumer product companies, offer licensing programs to Embroiderers who wish to obtain rights to reproduce and sell their logos. This involves obtaining a license and paying royalties. This can be an expensive process, but the plus side is that there are only a limited number of licenses offered for each product, brand, or name such that the licensee gains an exclusive right. Penalties For Infringement What are the risks or penalties for trademark or copyright infringement? Usually, a letter or legal notice to "cease and desist" use of the design is sent to a first-time offender. If use continues, a suit could follow. There have been cases, however, where it was probable that the offender knew he was reproducing a protected design and the warning letter did not precede a lawsuit. If convicted of such infringement, the financial penalties can be extreme. For more information on Copyrights write to: Copyrights, Information and Publications Section LM-455 Copyright Office Library of Congress Washington, D.C. 20559 http://www.loc.gov/copyright For more information on Trademarks write to: General Information Services Division U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Crystal Plaza 3, Room 2C02 Washington, DC 20231 http://www.uspto.gov NOTE: Another fact to know is that an employee of yours who creates a design on your time or on your equipment, or on behalf of your business, has no right to that design when he/she leaves your employ. This fact also holds true of any instructional or other confidential information you or they may have prepared that could be used later in a competitive situation. www.hsi.us care@hsi.us 236