Gothamist: Santacon Forever!

John

Mon, 12 Dec 2005 20:37:41 -0500

Santa Stripping at... http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbsibley/

Lawyer

Mon, 12 Dec 2005 09:37:54 -0500

The logo is a trademark, not a copyright, and its use even in a pardody is a litigation-magnet. You're blurring the MTA's mark, which is a cause of action. As far as the rest of the sign, even if there are copyrights you'd be ok with the parody exception. Of course, once you post any of the signs in a public place, even if they're intended to be humorous, you're inviting all sorts of criminal charges.

jake

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 16:13:57 -0500

good question-- does anyone know? it's possible that the design is copyrighted-- and certainly their logo is, but we do have a fair-use law for situations involving parody, which seems to be what these signs fall under. lawyers: any thoughts?

Chung-chieh Shan

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 15:45:22 -0500

What are the legal implications of someone who's not the MTA providing an online MTA sign generator?

C

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 12:55:14 -0500

i thought hipsters were really innovative artists who could make their own shit. i guess not. do your own work and you'll end up with a sign.

Toby

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 12:12:27 -0500

First off got to love the Coolvetica on the faux sign. I have come up with a subway line font and have the NYCTA logos in a font complete with the "Going your way." If you guys want to provide the space I'd share them. If you have the full on version of Acrobat you can easily edit the signs, although someone needs to get their hands on the NYCTABullet font and share it with the masses.