project X design copyright laws

[eldridge]

Hi All,

I came across the watch customizers 'project x design' a while back,and have read other treads about this company.
But just wondering,are they not breaking some copyright law or are they only allowed to customize a limited amount?

I haven't heard of Rolex taking them to court,but I would have thought a company like Rolex would be very protective of their design?

Cheers

Lee.

[Beau8]

You would think that they aren't, simply because they're modifying the product, the end result rather, and not necessarily the brand itself.

[Biased&Critical]

Hi All,

I came across the watch customizers 'project x design' a while back,and have read other treads about this company.
But just wondering,are they not breaking some copyright law or are they only allowed to customize a limited amount?

I haven't heard of Rolex taking them to court,but I would have thought a company like Rolex would be very protective of their design?

Cheers

Lee.

Many shops do mods to Rolex, like the really nice DLC work that Time & Gems does. It doesn't make a lot of sense for Rolex to be spending all their time chasing this down: at the end of the day it would probably just end up in a big, messy, and expensive legal battle over ownership rights: Rolex sold the watch, and the new owner can do what they like to it and shouldn't need Rolex's permission. Like Audi trying to sue because you had your S5 custom painted.

The caveat is that you'll have a terrible time getting Rolex to ever service the watch. Yes, lots of reputable places that can service a Rolex, but also lots of people that put more value in having thier watch serviced by the brand that built it in the first place. I've come across some real horror stories; refusal to do service uncommonly, but more to do with astronomical price estimates (or in some cases, invoices after the work is done) because a DLC'd Rolex Explorer getting Rolex service includes the removal of all the DLC. If you refuse to have it removed, then Rolex has the right to refuse service.

[eldridge]

Thanks guys for your thoughts,

I'm sure those companies doing the modifications have gone through the legal small print with a fine tooth comb using a 20x loupe!.

I've noticed looking at Project X designs watches,they dont seem to display their name on the watch,but they do add their own model name only,which must be due to keeping it legal.


.................I was mistaken....just seen a Rolex with their X logo on the face!