If I wanted to put that standard DVD logo on the spine of my indie DVD release, technically I should be paying for it. Who do I pay and how much? What would they fine me if I "neglected" to pay upfront?

I didn’t realize the DVD logo was proprietary. Why not just make your own that is similar but not infringing on that logo?

I always thought that logo was public domain....then one day I saw a "TM" by it...???I don't know?

I think Sonny has it for download on his site... that implies to me that it's public domain. But maybe not, if it does have the Trademark as you say.

It needs be licensed.

http://www.dvdfllc.co.jp/

If you don't get a license, you are limited to:

The only Logo that may appear on an authored disc is the Logo that shows the type of disc it originally was; DVD-R, DVD-RW, etc

This link has the pricing, for licences:

http://www.dvdfllc.co.jp/glance.htm

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If you are having a legit duplication company produce your dvds, they would have the license that would cover you and enable usage of the official dvd logo.

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Also see http://www.dvdforum.org

Interesting... though it makes me wonder - why would anyone (except large hollywood studios) pay for a little icon? Most of the time I scan right over them without thinking and the style of the box itself should be sufficient to tell a customer what the medium is.....

Amen brother. On the other hand: never underestimate the stupidity of people. This is why lawnmowers have that stupid sign that says: don’t chop your fingers off. They may not know it’s a DVD unless you tell them.
](*,)
Does anyone know if the “VHS” designation that appear sometimes on tapes is copyrighted too?

When you get DVD's made (pressed from a glass master), the company that does this should already have the rights to use the logo on the disc and case artwork. There is no reason for you to have it. If you are burning DVD-R's, even if you paid for the DVD logo rights, you would be in violation of the rights by putting it on a DVD-R, legally, you should put DVD-R, and those logo rights are controlled by Philips. I would see no need to use that logo.

Does anyone know if the “VHS” designation that appear sometimes on tapes is copyrighted too?

My guess is that it's trademarked by JVC.

Just make your own. Seems easy enough. :) Just my 2 cents...

Does anyone know if the “VHS” designation that appear sometimes on tapes is copyrighted too?

My guess is that it's trademarked by JVC.

I thought that Sony invented the VCR...

Like Indie said...DVD duplicaters have licinses to use the logo, so you don't need the license if you use a duplication/replication company that has it.

Wait a minute. You guys are saying that you have to get permission to put the word DVD on your dvd case in order to sell a movie?


that sounds like a monopoly.

No. That little "DVD" symbol.

Still it should be Public Domain. but it cost nothing right, i mean you just need to get permission first from JVC or whoever you guys said owns it?

Interesting... though it makes me wonder - why would anyone (except large hollywood studios) pay for a little icon?

I didn’t realize the DVD logo was proprietary. Why not just make your own that is similar but not infringing on that logo?

I'm guessing that the big players all pay because they can, and don't even think about the cost (just another expense of production). What I'm worried about is if my product doesn't have the logo, would certain stores (Blockbuster?) see it as unprofessional and use that as an excuse to refuse to sell it?

Another way to screw over the little guy? Or just a wonky conspiracy theory on my part?

That said, I have a few indie DVDs in my collection that don't have the logo. One does say "DVD video" in plain text. (Bought 'em on the internet.) It's not something I would notice the absence of ordinarilly, though. I just assume Amaray case = DVD.

Sonnyboo's also got FBI warning screens, but I'm wondering if those are copyrighted, too.

Still it should be Public Domain. but it cost nothing right, i mean you just need to get permission first from JVC or whoever you guys said owns it?


see zensteve's link (http://www.dvdfllc.co.jp/). The DVD logo is just like any other trademark and is NOT in the public domain. The word DVD, of course, is not, but you can not use the logo (DVD with the little circle under it or any variation infringing on their copyrights) without permission. Apparently they charge a pretty penny for it. But as it says on their site, any duplicator or manufacturer should have bout that right and you should be able to piggyback on their license. Contact your duplicator for more information. I use http://www.megalodon.com and they have a downloadable logo, and they have the rights to use it.

Well it would be more creative for someone to just make their own logo and not worry about the official one.