"Borrowing" a Paint Scheme?

SlowJoe · #1 08-06-2010, 01:37 PM

Does anybody know if it's legal or ethical to copy a paint scheme from a corporate sponsored plane (e.g. the famous Red Bull plane). I wouldn't be doing any commercial appearances. More like painting my Chevy like Dale Earnhardt's.

KTM520guy · #2 08-06-2010, 01:39 PM

Just make some changes to make it your own. Think of it as a theme instead of an exact design.

caryr · #3 08-06-2010, 01:55 PM

Paint scheme and colors ---- No issues

Words and phrases --- Yes

Veetail88 · #4 08-06-2010, 03:17 PM

about all the RVs that are painted in military schemes.

Obviously, there are lots of them, and I've never heard about any problems with it, but I would think the air force or other branches might be a little concerned about planes flying around with paint schemes that would identify them as theirs.

Anyone know the full scoop on this?

Louise Hose · #5 08-06-2010, 08:01 PM

Very little in the U.S. federal government is copyrighted. The NASA meatball (I think) and the NPS arrowhead are among the rare exceptions. Thus, you can copy nearly anything from the federal government.

On airplane design (corporate or private) I would think the usual copyright laws would apply and you need to make some changes to avoid potential copyright violation. That said, I'm certainly not a intellectual properties attorney so I'm only projecting my limited knowledge.

Geico266 · #6 08-06-2010, 08:12 PM

I sent a thank you e-mail to the guys I "borrowed" my paint scheme from. It was a blend of a couple different planes. Most replied they had "borrowed" it from someone else. If you see something you like just let them know you like and and may use it. Imitation is a sincere form of flattery.

Loboflyer · #7 08-06-2010, 08:43 PM

Companies usually defend their logos and trademarks very seriously.

Don't use the FBI logo, either.

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/dai...wikipedia.html

Andy_RR · #8 08-06-2010, 09:14 PM

Just get Red Bull to sponsor your paint job - Win win!

Mike D · #9 08-07-2010, 04:00 AM

I would suggest you contact the company (usually either marketing, PR, or corporate branding). You may be surprised. Some companies have policies that promote this type of activity. Some even pay you for it.

The logo police are always watching and I have been contacted several times. (occupational hazard as a designer) Many companies have logo usage guidelines and may even send you a packet outlining them. Many times you can get the digital files you need to do what you are asking for. Sometimes the packets include how the logos and paint are to be applied to specific vehicles including either Pantone colors or paint codes.

But keep in mind you are now an ambassador for that company and how you fly and act will reflect on that company.

Ironflight · #10 08-07-2010, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veetail88

about all the RVs that are painted in military schemes.

Obviously, there are lots of them, and I've never heard about any problems with it, but I would think the air force or other branches might be a little concerned about planes flying around with paint schemes that would identify them as theirs.

Anyone know the full scoop on this?

We have a neighbor with a SeaRay amphib that is painted to look like a US Coast Guard plane - complete with red diagonal stripes, logos, and "USCG" underneath the wings. This disturbs me just a little, since we live on the gulf coast, there are thousands of boaters out there, and he flies over them regularly. Sort of like cruising around with a car painted in police or fire department colors, WITH LOGOS!!

I asked a friend who is USCG if he knew if this was a problem, and it disturbed him as well, but he didn't know of any regulations that prohibited it. Don't get me wrong - it's a very cool looking airplane, still...do you want folks cruising around with Law Enforcement or Rescue colors who really "aren't?

As to military - not many folks will mistake an RV-8 for an F-14, even if it does have a great matching paint scheme....sorry Smokey....