1%

[Earl Smith]

I know this might be a daft question but I have to be careful. Especially in Gerrmany.
A Biker group has asked me to print some t-shirts. In part of the image is the 1% logo. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/1%25er ( German) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outlaw_motorcycle_club ( English)
Is it legal to print this logo?

Earl.

[pisquee]

Looking briefly at the wiki page... although not something you've created, it is doesn't appear that at 1%ers have any official representation or body, and so it would then be unclear who would claim 'ownership' of the logo to be then able to pursue you legally for any royalties. If could be argued that if there is no 'official' merchandise already available with this logo on it, that you aren't stealing any business from another officially sanctioned supplier, and if the group making the request from you could be seen to be part of the 'organisation' that it is an 'official' request.
Is the logo something that the biker gangs, or presumably one of their members sat down and designed, or is it copied from another logo or signage that is completely unrelated - it almost looks like in the style of an official warning symbol for electrical or chemicals, in a european or even soviet style.

[RogerC]

If it is the 'Outlaw' biker group then I would have no problem printing it for them. However if is not you should consider they have a reputation for 'protecting' their 'patch'/'colours' and you might not like how they go about it.

[phoenixalpha]

I would steer clear of such a thing as this. Unless its something that is "officially" sanctioned with a cast iron guarantee I'd not do it. If memory serves there have been several "disputes" over the years between certain factions and logos so unless you knew the script, I'd err on the side of caution.

[GoonerGary]

I would supply them, but wouldn't put the design on your website.

They should sign a disclaimer saying that they own the copyright or have permission to use the image and authorise you to reproduce the image.

They are willing to wear the 1% logo on the threat of violence! Ask them to pay in advance

[RogerC]

http://www.dw.de/german-police-target-c ... a-15912602

Check out the link and then say if you would supply.............the European guys don't mess about. Unless it is a genuine 'Outlaw' group then as I said before I would not be printing anything for anyone. These guys are more than capable of 'extracting' compensation (polite words for serious damage and pain) from those who misuse their 'colours'.

Pisquee your reply would be correct if it were a 'normal' situation but this is dealing with biker gangs who make a Friday night punch up look like a kids tea party. Basically the 'rules' don't apply............well they do but it's 'their' rules and you wouldn't want to argue. Basically if their 'colours' are stolen/misused then retribution will follow and it will be painful.

[GoonerGary]

Do you not think they would take a dim view if you refused to print their proud logo? Yes I would supply them.

However on second thoughts a stupid disclaimer on a bit of paper won't stop a sawn off shot gun, but would help in any legal action which Hells Angels do actually use.

[arko]

I think you are all blowing this out of proportion regarding the "fear" factor that such groups hold... if they dont hold the license.. nor anyone else... go for it Earl! No bull... I know a very good man in Dortmund Germany where I used to live that was also a member of a local chapter. He was a pub acquaintance shall we say,.... he knew of the "einprozentige", but I always had the feeling he was more than someone that just knew of them. Nicest, quietest bloke you ever could meet even at well over 6foot and built like a barn!. I bet the person who made his chaptors patches was loaded... he must have had about 40 of all shapes,sizes,colours etc.

[phoenixalpha]

As I said if the customer wants to confirm to you that they have the right to print it, get that in writing.

[Earl Smith]

Thanks for your views. I must admit, I got more than I bargined for in these replies.
I do a lot of work for bikers and never had a problem. The shop that I rent used to be ( not any more) owned by the local President of the Hells Angels. Bullet Proof glass in the windows as well. He and his girl friend used to run a funeral parlor from here.
The 1% logo is a very small part of the whole image which has nothing about Outlaws in it. I just wondered if it was against the law to print 1%. The Nazi Swastiker(?) is banned here for obvious reasons and I thought that maybe the 1% might fall into the same catagory.