They stole my signature!

[Uwe W.]

Talk about bizarre, I was browsing through a Laco distributor's website (they're in Singapore) and came across my home-made signature line image being used as a part of their sales images. That's the internet for you. Take what you want, when you want it. Screw the guy who created it.

[m102486]

They didn't even bother to change anything just copy and paste.

[Myron]

Did you drop them a line and tell them? I'm sure it isn't copyrighted (who would think to do this - besides, it contains Laco's logo, too). I wonder what a letter from an attorney would do? Probably nothing I'd bet.

Does anyone know what the relevant rules are here? If it isn't copyrighted, can you just take what you want?

I guess, if nothing else, it's a huge compliment. Maybe they'd at least put your name by it, if you objected to them.

On a sort of related note, does anyone else find it strange that Laco's website and web-based ads (like at the top of this forum, e.g.) use a Land Rover Defender to show off their Squad Watches? Wouldn't a G-wagen have been a better choice if they wanted to project that image? I just think it's strange that they chose an iconic British vehicle. But then, I would notice something like that.

Bummer, Uwe. Good luck,

Myron

[mikeynd]

What did you borrow from them? How many people on this forum use something from their favorite watch company and pasted it in their avatar or signature,so it all comes out even..Lets not start throwing stones.

[Uwe W.]

Did you drop them a line and tell them? I'm sure it isn't copyrighted (who would think to do this - besides, it contains Laco's logo, too). I wonder what a letter from an attorney would do? Probably nothing I'd bet.

Honestly, I don't care that they've used it. I just thought it was odd, mostly because it's got my 55 mm B-Uhr in it.

On a sort of related note, does anyone else find it strange that Laco's website and web-based ads (like at the top of this forum, e.g.) use a Land Rover Defender to show off their Squad Watches? Wouldn't a G-wagen have been a better choice if they wanted to project that image? I just think it's strange that they chose an iconic British vehicle. But then, I would notice something like that.

Trust me. I noticed too. Then again, who owns Land Rover? Well, it was owned by BMW for a while (Germany), but then I believe Ford bought it (USA), and they in turn sold it to Tata (India).

Frankly, I find all of Laco's new artwork to be poorly designed. It wouldn't look quite so bad if it didn't include those ridiculous looking characters. What's with the 'boy' representing the Pilot collection? Why is he wearing a navy-style sweater? And looks positively silly with his boy scout salute. Then there's the crusty old seaman for the Navy collection; smoking a pipe is the biggest cliché and he looks like he should be the captain of an old wooden schooner, not a some sort of a battleship. Most confusing though is the Squad banner. Laco is certainly projecting mixed messages for that particular line of watches. I was always under the impression it's a timepiece for para-military use, and not for Indiana Jones wannabes with their Land Rovers.

[mebiuspower]

Since it does contain a photo you took in the banner, you can ask them nicely to take the photo down, but they can also refuse to do that for you.

I also find the characters on the official Laco banners to be quite unfitting.

[Addie]

If you are feeling particularly cheeky and have a spare 30 minutes mock up an invoice and send it over to them for using your signature

[Uwe W.]

If you are feeling particularly cheeky and have a spare 30 minutes mock up an invoice and send it over to them for using your signature

That was particularly funny! Maybe extortion should be the order of the day. The use of my signature for say... a PVD Squad? Works for me but I'm sure they won't see the value in my proposal.

[Myron]

What did you borrow from them? How many people on this forum use something from their favorite watch company and pasted it in their avatar or signature,so it all comes out even..Lets not start throwing stones.

But generally we aren't using the images to sell products, so it is a bit different. But, since you pointed it out, I suppose their use of Uwe's artwork helps Laco, which is something we're all in support of, I'm sure.

Honestly, I don't care that they've used it. I just thought it was odd, mostly because it's got my 55 mm B-Uhr in it.




Trust me. I noticed too. Then again, who owns Land Rover? Well, it was owned by BMW for a while (Germany), but then I believe Ford bought it (USA), and they in turn sold it to Tata (India).

Frankly, I find all of Laco's new artwork to be poorly designed. It wouldn't look quite so bad if it didn't include those ridiculous looking characters. What's with the 'boy' representing the Pilot collection? Why is he wearing a navy-style sweater? And looks positively silly with his boy scout salute. Then there's the crusty old seaman for the Navy collection; smoking a pipe is the biggest cliché and he looks like he should be the captain of an old wooden schooner, not a some sort of a battleship. Most confusing though is the Squad banner. Laco is certainly projecting mixed messages for that particular line of watches. I was always under the impression it's a timepiece for para-military use, and not for Indiana Jones wannabes with their Land Rovers.

Yup. Poor old Land Rover's been kicked around the globe a few times in the last decade, which is why I said "iconic" British vehicle.

And your latter point about Laco's goofy advertising is right on. It's exactly how I feel. Time to fire whoever the advertising company is and get someone new in. Your signature looks better, which is I suppose why some business borrowed it. It's a compliment.

Oh well, I still love my Lacos and think their little company is cool.

Myron

[nothenorm]

Oops... my country. Sorry about that, but it is only now that I know that the website and company is from Singapore. : )