Hey Chris! (Just 6T9 CHGR) did Johnny Lightning get permission?

[69chargerboy]

Look at the background on the picture of the toy car, looks like your website picture.  They also changed the way your 69 looks.......   

That's BS! I think they need to compensate you for their theft!


http://cgi.ebay.com/A-W-Mopar-Mania-Slot-Car-69-Dodge-Hemi-Charger-Silver_W0QQitemZ320227675889QQihZ011QQcategoryZ2619QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[terrible one]

More so, did they get permission to be dumb asses? Who CHANGES a picture of a '69 Charger to a '68 to use for a model of a '69? 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

WTF!!!!!

Someone's got some 'splainin' to do!!

[Fitz73Chrgr]

More so, did they get permission to be dumb asses? Who CHANGES a picture of a '69 Charger to a '68 to use for a model of a '69? 

Or tries to at least, all they did is remove the center grille section.  Everything else is still '69 in the picture.  They didn't even move the grille emblem to the right place.

[bull]

Put some dents in that thing so they quit bugging you.

[RJS]

I refuse to buy that product until my BOY is compensated!!! 

[69bronzeT5]

WTF!!!!!

Someone's got some 'splainin' to do!!

What I'm wondering is why would they make it a '68 grille where the toy car is a '69

I sent in a few pictures of my car and my dad's friend's GSX into their "Make your car a star" thing that Johnny Lightning was doing. They accepted both pictures and said they would love to do my car and the GSX as 1:64th cars. My car as a "resto in progress" type series. They said they would contact me during early 2007. Never got contacted. If somebody finds a resto in progress series with a '69 Charger...contact me, I know they did release a resto in progress series in early 2007.....

[Hemidoug]

WTF!!!!!

Someone's got some 'splainin' to do!!

Time to lawyer up dude!

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Looks like those cars arent Johnny Lightning's.... they are Auto World (a division of Round 2, LLC) cars......more investigation to follow

[TruckDriver]

  Ya, that's a slot car. Not a JL car.

[69bronzeT5]

Looks like those cars arent Johnny Lightning's.... they are Auto World (a division of Round 2, LLC) cars......more investigation to follow

If I'm correct, the company that owns Johnny Lightning, ERTL, AMT, etc etc...they just transferred owners. Good luck Chris

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Heres the link to the car

http://www.autoworldslotcars.com/product_detail.aspx?id=1787


Fired off a nice "question" to them

[69chargerboy]

Heres the link to the car

http://www.autoworldslotcars.com/product_detail.aspx?id=1787


Fired off a nice "question" to them

Sorry Chris, I thought the company was Johnny Lightning.....

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Heres the link to the car

http://www.autoworldslotcars.com/product_detail.aspx?id=1787


Fired off a nice "question" to them

Sorry Chris, I thought the company was Johnny Lightning.....

Thanks for the heads up though!

[Aero426]

Heres the link to the car

http://www.autoworldslotcars.com/product_detail.aspx?id=1787


Fired off a nice "question" to them

Sorry Chris, I thought the company was Johnny Lightning.....

The guy who bought the license rights to all the model kits and diecast is the same person who brought back the Johnny Lightning name ten or more years ago.  He sold out to Ertl/RC2 and has bought the licensing rights back to issue more stuff.   Auto World is another trade name he bought.  Years and years ago, Auto World was the #1 mail order dealer of models and slot cars.   

[69charger2002]

wow that is blatant use of your pic. i mean on the one hand it's cool another car shows up to collect, but then why would they just swipe a pretty pic out of thin air and not think someone that collects that type of car will notice the backdrop?
trav

[Khyron]

wow...... Personally I think that's cool, but I bet if someone used their pictures the lawyers would be in full flock.

go get em

glad i'll never have to worry

[Charger1973]

The thing that would piss me off is the fact that they made it into a silver "68".  WTF?  Your car already kicks ass why would they do that to it?   

[Khyron]

I would think because they already did a Orange 69 with 440 callouts?

[C_stripes]

I like slot cars 

[FastbackJon]

Notice how the marker light in the edited picture is gray too. So they must have just taken the image and desaturated (black and whited) everything but the water to start with. Then a little PS on the grille, hood and vinyl top...

Yeah, lawyer should be involved.

[FastbackJon]

Also it's interesting that you can still make out the reflection of the grille I piece in the reflection of the top of the front bumper in the edited photo. Also looks like they removed the stickers on the windshield.

[FastbackJon]

So the picture is of a '68, it is labeled as a '69, but it is actually a '70!!!

     

[FastbackJon]

After just a few minutes in Paint.NET on a laptop using a touchpad (no mouse).

[69bronzeT5]

After just a few minutes in Paint.NET on a laptop using a touchpad (no mouse).

Woah

[TruckDriver]

Also it's interesting that you can still make out the reflection of the grille I piece in the reflection of the top of the front bumper in the edited photo. Also looks like they removed the stickers on the windshield.

Still has the '69 marker lights too.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

After just a few minutes in Paint.NET on a laptop using a touchpad (no mouse).

Wow Jon, are you sure YOU didnt do the pic for them?



I don't there will be any lawyers to be gottten though...its cool non the less....maybe a free t-shirt or a years supply of gas would be nice

[dodgecharger-fan]

I'll bet they think that since the original picture is out there on the internet AND they changed it up a little - thus adding some of their own creativity - they're off the hook for any copyright concerns.

Not sure, but that would seem to be the most straight-forward thought process for a company to go ahead and do something like that, if they consiously thought about what they are doing.
..or they paid a lazy marketting company to create their packaging.
..or the packaging was created overseas.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I'll bet they think that since the original picture is out there on the internet AND they changed it up a little - thus adding some of their own creativity - they're off the hook for any copyright concerns.

Not sure, but that would seem to be the most straight-forward thought process for a company to go ahead and do something like that, if they consiously thought about what they are doing.
..or they paid a lazy marketting company to create their packaging.
..or the packaging was created overseas.

Tell me about it.....I called these guys about using my car on their site....saying that I was flattered and all but permission was not granted.....after numerous childish emails from the owner, his "web guy that picked the generic Charger pic" Photoshopped my Charger so bad that it totally washed out the body lines....looks like crap now IMHO.  All because I wanted a little recognition....maybe a company T-shirt so I can advertise for them...HA!
There is still a thing called internet copy write law....it applies to ALL pics on the internet.  Its a gray area though & depends on how its interpreted.....Im not about to hire a lawyer for that!

http://www.classicbodydesigns.com/

[Khyron]

after numerous childish emails from the owner, his "web guy that picked the generic Charger pic"

yeah, cause when I think of your Charger I think "Generic" ... I would go and kick the dude in the nutz 

[694spdRT]

It is too bad that a simple request for permission was not done by the company. Didn't this also happen with some other merchandise before? I guess fame doesn't come without a price Chris. 

[Chris G.]

Looks like a different car to me.  Maybe the guy drove to the same location and took shots of his '69 with a '68 grille? 

[charger01]

Looks like a different car to me.  Maybe the guy drove to the same location and took shots of his '69 with a '68 grille? 

I dunno man, Would be very hard to replicate tha pic.  The exact same positioning of the car and camera.  Obviously the same time of day due to the shading on the body.  Something fishing going on around those waters.

[6pkrunner]

Looks like a different car to me.  Maybe the guy drove to the same location and took shots of his '69 with a '68 grille? 


It's tuff to tell the 68s and 69s apart isn't it?

[bsakal]

I don't know Chris, with all of the stuff at Carlisle with your car pic on it last year and now this, you should be making money. I was gonna ask if I can use your car for use in a logo of a car club that a co-worker and I are getting together, (Charger and Corvette) at least I would have offered you some t-shirts and a jacket if we get them.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I don't know Chris, with all of the stuff at Carlisle with your car pic on it last year and now this, you should be making money. I was gonna ask if I can use your car for use in a logo of a car club that a co-worker and I are getting together, (Charger and Corvette) at least I would have offered you some t-shirts and a jacket if we get them.

Absolutely you can Brian, I would be honored!
YOU can use it free of charge!

[TUFCAT]

Tell me about it.....I called these guys about using my car on their site....saying that I was flattered and all but permission was not granted.......Im not about to hire a lawyer for that!

I wouldn't be flattered - - I'd be totally emabarrased!!!  In this case, you have to fight.  You need some compensation for the unauthorized use (and defacing) of your property. They intentionally altered this image to hide the fact it was your car (a stolen image), and made it appear as their own.

It would have cost them a lot more to borrow a Charger, get a photographer, find locations, and take a photo shoot.  Take one for the little guy.  If companies think they can go out and steal stuff without the owners permission this will continue.  Plus, if they used a bit of common courtesy and had asked you up front......you would've likely said yes.  Instead they went behind your back and just "stole" it.

I would feel much differently about this if I were you  - and be mad as hell they #1,  stole the picture, and #2 made your car look like total hell for all the world to see.     

[Charger1973]

 

[TUFCAT]

If this was my situation "compensation"....would mean:  The cost of a location scout for finding a suitable location, cost of renting a beautifully restored Charger for half a day, cost of trailering it to the location, and hiring a photographer.

You should be asking for a minimum of $500- 750 dollars (the cost they would have incured if they tried to do it on their own.....)

This is the EXACT REASON THEY STOLE YOUR  PICTURE!! - -   It was free!! 

Man, - - I 'd be PISSED! 

[az69rtcharger]

Chris, this type of stealing of photos is a clear violation of the "Internet copyright laws" this company is a for profit company and makes money from selling a product with a image that you photographed.
As a Photographer, Artist, Graphic and Web Designer I know for fact that you have a case and can recoup compensation for your image, I am totally against this type of of piracy and would never want any of my photos or art to be used with out my consent. These type of people must be stopped and made an example of. I would look into compensation and suggest that you contact an attorney, some will even take your case on without you putting any money up. Here is Just one resource for you.

http://www.piercelaw.edu/tfield/copynet.htm

"Copyright gives authors, artists and others the right to exclude others from using their works. Federal rights arise automatically when a protectable work has been fixed in a tangible medium such as a floppy disk or hard drive. A poem or picture is as much protected on a disk as on a piece of paper or canvas." 

" Fair use.
Fair use is one of the most important, and least clear cut, limits to copyright. It permits some use of others' works even without approval. But when? Words like "fair" or "reasonable" cannot be precisely defined, but here are a few benchmarks.

Uses that advance public interests such as criticism, education or scholarship are favored -- particularly if little of another's work is copied. Uses that generate income or interfere with a copyright owner's income are not. Fairness also means crediting original artists or authors. (A teacher who copied, without credit, much of another's course materials was found to infringe.)

Commercial uses of another's work are also disfavored. For example, anyone who uses, without explicit permission, others' work to suggest that they endorse some commercial product is asking for trouble! Yet, not all commercial uses are forbidden. Most magazines and newspapers are operated for profit; that they are not automatically precluded from fair use has been made clear by the U.S. Supreme Court. "

Chris, I hope you find this useful and do pursue your rights, if you want some kind of deal with them for free toys or something, it up to you and they would most likely accept that since it could cost them tons of money to defend themselves in court.

[az69rtcharger]

Oh and chris few more links for you.


Digital Millennium Copyright Act

www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pd

http://www.eff.org/issues/dmca

[Troy]

Any decent artist and/or graphic arts department knows where to get royalty-free or paid images so unless the company president's 15 year old nephew did the artwork they knew it was wrong. Just to clarify, as I understand it, the copyright would cover the actual image itself - not the subject. Anyone could take a picture of the car and own the rights to the picture but these guys are stealing someone else's picture. Big difference.

Troy

[bsakal]

I don't know Chris, with all of the stuff at Carlisle with your car pic on it last year and now this, you should be making money. I was gonna ask if I can use your car for use in a logo of a car club that a co-worker and I are getting together, (Charger and Corvette) at least I would have offered you some t-shirts and a jacket if we get them.

Absolutely you can Brian, I would be honored!
YOU can use it free of charge!

Thank you! Once we decide on a name (that's what is holding it up) and get our logo done, I'll keep you posted.

[69CoronetRT]

Chris, this type of stealing of photos is a clear violation of the "Internet copyright laws" this company is a for profit company and makes money from selling a product with a image that you photographed.
As a Photographer, Artist, Graphic and Web Designer I know for fact that you have a case and can recoup compensation for your image....

Chris, FWIW I agree. I've been on the recieving end of a copyright lawsuit and you have rights that should be claimed for fair use of your picture...regardless of how it was 'changed' to fit their purpose....in order to retain rights to unforseen uses in the future. If you do not claim them NOW you will lose future rights. I would also suggest you recieve some sort of compensation for any use of the picture, regardless of how small the agreement, so as not to set presedence in the future. If you allow others to use the picture for 'free' it will hurt any monetary claim in the future. It is easy to take this as flattering and think it is 'no big deal' but in the long run it could be. I'd encourage you to stop it now. It is worth persuing...


dlh

[69bronzeT5]

I guess they didnt see this


"All photos of Chris' 1969 Dodge Charger R/T
may not be used without written consent. "

[Charger1973]

Wait til they add the 01 and pushbar for the GL release.   

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I guess they didnt see this


"All photos of Chris' 1969 Dodge Charger R/T
may not be used without written consent. "

I put that on my site about 5+ years ago after the first "pirating"  from an ebay seller making posters out of the image...

I guess Mopar doesnt listen as well when this "officially  licensed" shirt showed up last year as well as the licensed lithograph....

As far as a lawyer is concerned I wouldnt even know where to start or who to contact.....

[69bronzeT5]

Damn Chris...everybody is stealing your car!

[az69rtcharger]

I guess they didnt see this


"All photos of Chris' 1969 Dodge Charger R/T
may not be used without written consent. "

I put that on my site about 5+ years ago after the first "pirating"  from an ebay seller making posters out of the image...

I guess Mopar doesnt listen as well when this "officially  licensed" shirt showed up last year as well as the licensed lithograph....

As far as a lawyer is concerned I wouldnt even know where to start or who to contact.....

Chris,
you have a phone book right? Just look for "A" for "Attorney" your local area should also have a "Lawyer referral  board that could point you to a Attorney the could help you.
Its not fair that you let them do this, I would start by threatening that you are going pursue legal action if they will not work a deal out with them. 
If you need help, PM me and I could help you find someone.

[C_stripes]

All in all. Even though they are stealing the pics of your car.  I'm impressed that so many people like it enough to do that.  But I do think you deserve some royalty's.

[JohnnyBee]

Hey when you get a good lawyer., Please let me know, as two of my Photos "I" took are being used by http://www.racingreflections.com/ and is being stated as "Racing Reflections Incorporated offers fully licensed NASCAR merchandise"

Look under Dodge  http://www.racingreflections.com/

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Hey when you get a good lawyer., Please let me know, as two of my Photos "I" took are being used by http://www.racingreflections.com/ and is being stated as "Racing Reflections Incorporated offers fully licensed NASCAR merchandise"

Look under Dodge  http://www.racingreflections.com/

Yep they got me too....they are hte ones making the limited ed lithograph....I called them on it & they did send me a free one.

I got #5 out 150 total. 

[FastbackJon]

What is odd is that it appears to be the same exact image that is getting all the copyright infringements on it. I guess what helps is that it is on the main page and is of a decent resolution.

http://members.tripod.com/charger_rt69/IM002085.JPG

[TripleBlackGator]

I guess they didnt see this


"All photos of Chris' 1969 Dodge Charger R/T
may not be used without written consent. "

I put that on my site about 5+ years ago after the first "pirating"  from an ebay seller making posters out of the image...

I guess Mopar doesnt listen as well when this "officially  licensed" shirt showed up last year as well as the licensed lithograph....

As far as a lawyer is concerned I wouldnt even know where to start or who to contact.....

Chris,
you have a phone book right? Just look for "A" for "Attorney" your local area should also have a "Lawyer referral  board that could point you to a Attorney the could help you.
Its not fair that you let them do this, I would start by threatening that you are going pursue legal action if they will not work a deal out with them. 
If you need help, PM me and I could help you find someone.

  Chris,
   I think you DO have some ground to stand.  I would like to think az69rtcharger would agree that should you persue the legalities of these actions it will COST YOU regardless of the outcome. Even discussing the matter with an appropriate attorney will cost you and they might even suggest you don't pursue it based on many factors. It's a gamble and the deck is stacked. It can easily boil down to who has the deepest pockets. But then again there was that story about David and Goliath. GOOD LUCK!

[FastbackJon]

Similar situation on Moparts, you might have to log in to read it.

http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=4288482&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1&nt=2

[skip68]

I SOOOOO AGREE WITH TUFCAT.     THESE ARE OUR PERSONAL CARS, AND IF ANYONE SHOULD PROFIT OFF OF THEM IT SHOULD BE US THE OWNERS.      I would love it if somebody wanted to use my car in a photoshoot for a good cause.     But if they are going to use it to sell a product for profit then they should give me some of the product or pay me royalties or a flat rate fee.   These cars cost us plenty of money and I'm not in the business of building a car so that others can profit from it.        Chuck..........

[451-74Charger]

I agree that you should persue this.
We go after anyone using OUR images without permission (Peanuts, Dilbert, Strawberry Shortcake etc...)
We have a huge legal team dedicated to stop people like this in thier tracks.
Just because you are 1 person doesnt mean that they should be able to get away with it. Get some legal advise from a lawer (copywrite if possible).
I mean if you pirated a song/movie etc, youd expect to get a STIFF penalty if you got caught.

At least they can help pay towards your project...!!

[PocketThunder]

we have our very own attorney right here on this board.  His name is Kim and goes by last426.

[TUFCAT]

I SOOOOO AGREE WITH TUFCAT.     

Thanks Chuck,  I love it when someone actually agrees with me - -  only wish I can get my darling MRS. TUFCAT to do the same!  .   

[Brock Samson]

 i hadn't realized this thread had grown so large or so many other comercial enterprises had swipped you image Chris...
if nothing else take heart and be very proud that your hard work and dedication in restoring your charger has resulted in an "iconic" image that's world famous...

  Thanks for your furthering our resale values... 
my GF is quite knowlageable about copyright laws, I'll ask her opinion..

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

i hadn't realized this thread had grown so large or so many other comercial enterprises had swipped you image Chris...
if nothing else take heart and be very proud that your hard work and dedication in restoring your charger has resulted in an "iconic" image that's world famous...

 

Strato....you want those bills small or large?

 

Let us know what your GF says.

In all seriousness though, I think the lawyer thing is out for me......FREE stuff is always welcome though.... 

[Brock Samson]

i hear runninghorn wants to buy it Chris...       

[TheAutoArchaeologist]

There is a difference in someone taking your picture and asking for someone to use your picture.

Someone recently asked to use one of my pictures in an ad they were going to run at Mopars at the Strip, I said sure! They were going to credit me and send me a copy, I'm all for it.

If someone took my picture, used it for some reason, and then they copyrighted it without my concent, I'd be upset. This has happened to me before, use of my pictures without consent, and trying to pass them off as their originals.

Here are a few websites on copyright law.

http://www.photolaw.net/faq.html

http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html

http://www.acm.org/crossroads/xrds2-2/weblaw.html

http://www.pdimages.com/law/10.htm

Ryan

[Beep Beep Dave]

So the picture is of a '68, it is labeled as a '69, but it is actually a '70!!!

     

Thats too funny!
They should just fire that dumbass that stole the pic and hire Chris. The guy has a great car and takes a good photo too. I do however have concerns if he knows the differences between 68, 69 and 70 Chargers though as they all look the same

Dave

[moparstuart]

 they just wanted to offend all three 2nd gen owners   

[myfever]

HEY CHRIS, THATS WILD WHAT THEY DID TO YOUR PIC...PHIL

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

HEY CHRIS, THATS WILD WHAT THEY DID TO YOUR PIC...PHIL

Hey Phil glad you made it!

Welcome to the site!

[dd44068]

Chris with all the piracy of you car I would be glad to take it off your hands But now back to reality I agree with the majority, go and get them and make them pay.

[DodgeChargerNeeded]

Honestly unless you have the picture copyrighted what is stopping anybody from doing a quick copy and paste. Doesn't seem like a big deal to me. If I were to look at that little hot wheel I would never notice it was your car.

[Aero426]

Honestly unless you have the picture copyrighted what is stopping anybody from doing a quick copy and paste. Doesn't seem like a big deal to me. If I were to look at that little hot wheel I would never notice it was your car.

For about the third time, THE ORIGINAL PHOTO IS COPYRIGHTED ALREADY !   

What you do about it is another matter.