"Tribute" cues? Seriously?

[Ken_4fun]

The person "scooping" up cues is committing a felony, if he did not pay for them! If indeed there was copyright infringement, that IS a civil matter and would not prevent the "scooper" from being arrested and thrown in jail.

I think that is what OJ did with his stuff.

Ken

 

[Mr. Bond]

Some years ago, when the BCA show was relevent, an Asian manufacturer had a full display of cues. Someone from Schon scooped up an arm full of selected cues, handed the booth operator a business card and told him to talk to Schon's lawyer if he had any problems with him taking them. I would say Clark feels he has a say about a knockoff of his designs.

I don't see how a product can have copyright protection without a copyright notice - something like a circle with a "c" in the middle and a date. Most manufactured items have have some sort of warning protection notice. I've seen many paintings with a "bug" for example.

Big Al

Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, your work is protected the moment it is created. And no copyright notice is required to be shown on the product, although it's a good idea to do it simply to deter thieves.
However, the copyright must be registered to pursue legal action, which obviously adds to the expense of prosecuting thieves, and probably has a lot to do with whether or not it's " worth it " at all to take action.

The person "scooping" up cues is committing a felony, if he did not pay for them! If indeed there was copyright infringement, that IS a civil matter and would not prevent the "scooper" from being arrested and thrown in jail.

You are correct, it's still stealing and the government is the only entity that can " impound" illegal items. Both civil and criminal action can be pursued for the same offense.