Greg and all
Just for the record, I went through a similar issue regarding my patches some time ago...a polite email to them regarding the non-existence of most of the patches I sell as bike manufacturers anymore and steering them to look at it in a similar way to the railroad and aviation items on ebay led them to email me a response that I had not violated anything and was providing an additional service that the original manufacturers would no longer be able to provide and from companies that in many senses no longer existed...I believe a big help was a direct email to them in support of my auctions and Zeus patches from someone who ordered from me and is involved in the "new" zeus company helped. He basically stated there wasn't a violation in the world concerning my items and they were quite flattered by the patches...it definitely helped.
And God knows by providing these small services...we sure aren't making a living at this alone!
Walter Skrzypek
Falls Creek, Pa
http://www.fixedgearhooligans.com
> Hi crew,
> Only a couple of days ago I wrote a lengthy post concerning my
> angle/take on the decals that I produce and predominantly sell on ebay.
> Well.......it didnt take long...ebay contacted me with a violation of
> trademark issues email originating from ebayit. that will be followed up
> with direct contact later this week. Its seems more than a coincidence
> that I have been selling for nearly two years yet suddenly a notice like
> this arrives following debate on the CR list. Anyway, it will sort
> itself out and I will follow ebay's ruling as I imagine it's only one
> company that has taken issue - a bit like the 'Colnago' cross
> referencing that was policed a while back and resulted in a few of my
> auctions being knocked on the head when selling Campy parts.
> The manufacturers of modern cycles that enjoy a long and illustrious
> history, when selling their modern bikes owe us all a great debt, as we
> are perpetuating this history - modern companies dont see the economic
> sense or logic by supporting us with retro parts and decals. To me, and
> I have been around for a while, it would be a fantastic promotional coup
> if the likes of Colnago, Derosa, Merckx and other prominent companies
> who had successful racing teams in the late 20th century were to sponsor
> a retro TDF using current champions over a shorter course maybe two
> weeks before the main event as a primer. The machinery should be
> original, maybe Dale can scrutineer!, with concessions for rubber.
> Possibly period classes and no later than mid 80s. This might give the
> edge to the older manufacturers marketing wise, encourage massive
> interest in vintage steel and of course make all of our parts stashes
> quadruple in value!!
> Will keep you guys updated on my ebay situation....maybe time to build a
> proper website.
> Greg Softley
> Coffs Harbour
> Australia