How far is too far? ....

[Heysüß]

when it comes to trademarking? my girlfriend is a graphic designer and she's been considering designing some bmw/e30 themed shirts and selling them. What could she be sued for and what would fly?

Thanks!

[Ryan...]

I think as long as she doesn't include names of individual tuning companies or forums etc she should be fine. A lot of guys here have made shirts with e30s on them..

[Heysüß]

yeah she isn't planning on including any individual tuning companies or forums. It would be a strictly bmw/e30 shirt. They would most likely have the e30's most distinct features, would she be ok doing that?

Do you have any examples of shirts people have made using distinct features or logos of car companies without having permission from the companies?

[Ryan...]

That would most likely be fine, but then again I'm no expert...

Go down to the Retail Classifieds/Group Buy section near the bottom of the list. I've bought a couple shirts here.

[Kershaw]

the design of the e30 is the intellectual property of BMW.

could she be sued if bmw wanted? yes.

will she be sued? no.

[kingston]

Using the Roundel might be more likely to get her in trouble than just using the letters BMW.
As posted above, unless she is selling mega-quantites of said shirts, it is unlikely that BMW will do anything.

[soupiemelody]

whatever happens just make sure you include a few 4dr and vert e30s and all will be fine. NO BMW logos or companies as said before.

[spyde25]

whatever happens just make sure you include a few 4dr and vert e30s and all will be fine. NO BMW logos or companies as said before.

And shirt for women, my wife needs to rock one.