copyrights

[A-19]

why go with a positive message when you can print a clever, negative one?

[The Turkeybone]

Well, I'm starting to think that finding another drawn out way of saying "grade inflation" isn't so clever, and you could probably come up with something a lot better at this point. For me, it's time to move on from grade inflation.

[bigred apple]

I think you should read between the lines of what the Harvard representative is saying:

1. We do not approve of disparaging uses of our marks.
2. You are proposing a disparaging use of our marks.
3. I am the wrong person to ask about whether something is a "parody" because it isn't my job to find things funny, it is my job to make you sufficiently uncomfortable that you do not disparage our marks.
4. Go see your own lawyer, but understand that no matter what your lawyer tells you, we have our own lawyers.
5. Our lawyers will not agree.
6. Have a nice day.

[Ben Doyle 03]

Mike,
Don't feel like you're the only one getting threats from the Harvard(sucks) Administration:

http://www.cornelldailysun.com/articles/6887/

. . .they even eat their own!

:-))

[jeh25]

Well Said!

Although IANAL, I think point #4 is the crux of the matter. Parody is *not* a bright line defense against trademark infringement. Even if you have a good case and you were to win in the end, would it really be worth your time and money to take on a bunch of Harvard lawyers for the sake of 20 t-shirts?

I don't know about you, but I found being an undergrad at Cornell to be hard enough without also trying to become a landmark piece of case law at the same time.

{soapbox}

If this entire experience has convinced you that our current trademark/copyright IP system sucks and needs reform, I'd suggest a good place to start would be to write your congressional representative and request that s/he repeal the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act.

For more info:
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/commentary/20020305_sprigman.html

{/soapbox}

[Josh '99]

The Turkeybone wrote:

Well, I'm starting to think that finding another drawn out way of saying "grade inflation" isn't so clever, and you could probably come up with something a lot better at this point. For me, it's time to move on from grade inflation.

That wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that people have taken to chanting "grade inflation" at the end of every game, even when it doesn't make sense (which is to say, any game other than Harvard), would it?

(And by the way, what's up with that?)

[Al DeFlorio]

You have to remember that Harvard Business School is preparing its students for the wonderful world of American business, where dissent is forbidden and being a "team player" assures success.

[ugarte]

Give me a break, Al.  All Harvard is doing is what every institution does.  They protect their image.  Harvard is being a buzzkill, but it isn't really surprising, and it certainly isn't nefarious.

Harvard may not sue Mike if he goes ahead, but they are well within their rights to refuse to cooperate with him.

[Al DeFlorio]

Apple, you need to figure out how to use this thing in "threaded view."  My comment had nothing whatsoever to do with Mike's travails with Harvard--but referred to the Sun article pointed to by Ben regarding the Harvard Business School.

Or just learn to shut up.

[Ben Doyle 03]

Now-now boys. . .:-P

[A-19]

john,

nice comments. as per the "write your congressional rep," i would have to disagree. i worked for congress this summer, and i know exactly where the letters go-- the trash can, because i put them in there after sending form letters

enough government. check your emails. 'nuff said

-mike

[ugarte]

Al DeFlorio wrote:

Apple, you need to figure out how to use this thing in "threaded view."  My comment had nothing whatsoever to do with Mike's travails with Harvard--but referred to the Sun article pointed to by Ben regarding the Harvard Business School.

I stopped using threaded view a long time ago.  So many people use flat view that it gets hard to figure out what a post is responding to unless you can just scroll up the page.  First time I have been burned because of it.  My bad.

Or just learn to shut up.

The hell I will. I'll comment whenever I see fit. For instance,  I'll just comment on the merit of the "humor" and "social commentary" in your actual post, as it was originally intended: non-existent.

(Oh, what am I getting into here.  We were getting along so well. . .)

[crodger1]

On the question of flat vs. threaded:  you won't use it because nobody else is?!  I think you just made Susan B. Anthony cry. ;-)

Anyone have change for a buck that looks like change?

[jtwcornell91]

Al's crustiness aside, if you click on "reply to this post", it will make the topic a lot more legible for those of us who prefer threaded view.

[ugarte]

I usually, but not always, do.  I will endeavor to be more courteous in this regard.