I Used an Automaker's Emblem on a Key Fob. Did I Do Wrong?

[Gosut]

I wanted a simple key fob to put on a vehicle fob for identification purposes. On the back I put my cell phone number and on the front a simple design I could do with repurposed tools on hand. The design is the one on the side of the vehicle, and was simple enough to get a clean, clear, debossed design with what I had. Made it out of some scrap, debossed it, put a split ring on it and glued it, dyed, stitched, and sealed it, and it was done. It's in my pocket right now. But after making it, started to wonder if it's legal. No, I'm not going to sell it; it's the best thing I've done stitch-wise, but it's not that good. But how legal is it?

[BlackDragon]

Ooooooh you going to prison! Maybe under the prison. 

All kidding aside, usually it's ok for something you're making for yourself and I wouldn't worry about it. Some companies get up tight about their products, like Disney, but for the most part it's ok.

[AlZilla]

If it's for your personal use, my understanding is that it's legal. The problem comes when you sell it.

[Mulesaw]

Like those above said, as long as you don't sell it or actively market it I think you are OK. And I still think you'll be OK if you sell it together with the car some day.

Brgds Jonas

[Gosut]

I had a key fob that I liked, but made the mistake of letting it go with my previous vehicle. It used a regular key and needed a fob. Today, new vehicle keys are the fobs, or is built into the fob. Maybe that's why key fobs aren't available locally. Wasn't an issue until I took it in for service, and realized that it would look like practically everyone else's. Made a paper tag for it, but knew I needed a fob. I could put my cell phone number on it, and a design makes it stand out from others. As a plus, leather doesn't put much weight on the fob, and this one goes into an ignition switch.

It was quickly done, even with my beginner skill level. Will probably make another for practice. If I had antiquing gel, it would have turned out better, but this was done with what I had on hand. Thinking about trying one with a concho instead of a design. Also thinking that this might be a good for Christmas presents - without the aforementioned logo, of course.

[Dwight]

14 hours ago, Gosut said:

I wanted a simple key fob to put on a vehicle fob for identification purposes. On the back I put my cell phone number and on the front a simple design I could do with repurposed tools on hand. The design is the one on the side of the vehicle, and was simple enough to get a clean, clear, debossed design with what I had. Made it out of some scrap, debossed it, put a split ring on it and glued it, dyed, stitched, and sealed it, and it was done. It's in my pocket right now. But after making it, started to wonder if it's legal. No, I'm not going to sell it; it's the best thing I've done stitch-wise, but it's not that good. But how legal is it?

Some years back . . .  I started making key fobs for folks . . .  and started to fix one for me . . .  went back and forth on name vs address vs phone number.

Finally decided that any of those could get my vehicle stolen if the wrong person found it.

Wound up putting my Vietnam Veteran Assn. group name on it . . . it's a local group . . .  and if returned to them . . .  they would let me know.  Wound up making key fobs for all of them . . .  it's a lot safer than a name or address or phone number.

Since then my advice is to always put your church name . . . club name . . . company name . . .  or something like that on the key fobs . . .  as it could mean you would get it back . . .  but would prevent an immediate pilfering of your vehicle.

Just a suggestion.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Handstitched]

@Gosut I don't think you have much to worry about. 

I use beer logos in leather, and I also sell beer bottle tops as fridge magnets. 

Some years ago , I spoke to a rep for a company that covers many beer brands etc.  here in Oz , he told me  ' as long as I don't modify the logo  they are fine' .  

There's a thread regarding copyright  on this site. 

HS

[billybopp]

19 hours ago, Dwight said:

Some years back . . .  I started making key fobs for folks . . .  and started to fix one for me . . .  went back and forth on name vs address vs phone number.

Finally decided that any of those could get my vehicle stolen if the wrong person found it.

Wound up putting my Vietnam Veteran Assn. group name on it . . . it's a local group . . .  and if returned to them . . .  they would let me know.  Wound up making key fobs for all of them . . .  it's a lot safer than a name or address or phone number.

Since then my advice is to always put your church name . . . club name . . . company name . . .  or something like that on the key fobs . . .  as it could mean you would get it back . . .  but would prevent an immediate pilfering of your vehicle.

Just a suggestion.

May God bless,

Dwight

Remember back in the day, when you'd get a keyfob with your license # on it, and an address where you could mail them for free return service?   Times have changed!  LOL

- Bill