October 12th, 2010 at 9:39 AM ^
I have received a cease and desist notice from someone representing the University of Michigan and the Heisman Trust, and have therefore taken down all of my Michigan football wallpaper artwork until I can sort it out.
The original notice was primarily concerned with the manufacture of Denard Robinson action figures (and related wallpaper artwork). After I explained that the action figure is not real (but that I was amused that they thought it was) and that I am not trying to make money from my wallpaper project, I received a follow up email stating that their perspective is that I'm promoting my business and therefore in violation of trademark law and NCAA rules. I don't belive that I'm doing either of those things but I'm trying to be cooperative and have asked this third party if there is any way that I can continue to share the wallpapers with all of you without hurting the Michigan or Heisman brands.
I'm probably more disappointed than you are. I'll post an update here when there is something to report.
If you want to be notified if (or when) the wallpapers are available again, send an email to [email protected] or Follow me on twitter.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:52 AM ^
Can someone please explain the empy thermoformed plastic packaging on my computer screen and tiny Dilithium footprints all over my desk?
October 12th, 2010 at 9:49 AM ^
That sucks. I understand the University protecting their trademarks, but FREE wallpaper? This is RIAA-esque. Threatening your biggest fans with lawsuits is generally not a good business strategy.
I hope you get it sorted out.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:59 AM ^
It sucks, but now post practice-gate and with NCAA probation up our ass, they are taking no risks. Anything that has the potential to cause trouble is going to be shut down.
No fun for only two more years!
October 12th, 2010 at 10:04 AM ^
I hope he can get it sorted out too. It sounds like part of the problem may be that he posts them on his company website. Maybe he could just upload them to some file space here so that there's no association w/ his company whatsoever.
October 12th, 2010 at 9:52 AM ^
No fan-made wallpapers allowed? Good job, America.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:08 AM ^
we have let the terrorists win. Thanks a lot bin laden.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:10 AM ^
he hosted it on his company website. he works in design and computer-related production. hosting great wallpapers bearing the university's logo, etc, on such a website creates a tangential, albeit a stretch, association between the university and his design company.
now if someone were to throw it on imageshack anonymously...
October 12th, 2010 at 10:15 AM ^
Theeey took eeerr jeewbbs!!
October 12th, 2010 at 10:01 AM ^
wow and we are coming full circle in our litigation happy society.
October 12th, 2010 at 10:02 AM ^
October 12th, 2010 at 10:21 AM ^
Despite it being incredible, there are lots of issues with the likeness. The weekly wallpapers should have no issue. If Monumental is really concerned then also remove the logo and just write out the team name. Also, register a new domain and allow the downloads from there so as to have no connection with your work site.
All of that said, these wallpapers have been amazing. Please find a way to continue to get these out to the people. It ruined my Monday when I found about the C/E letter.
I'm sure you would not allow it, but hell, I'll email you to get the remainder of the weekly wallpapers.
October 12th, 2010 at 3:40 PM ^
I was going to email him the same suggestion.
As long as it isn't affiliated with a business, then there shouldn't be a problem. I mean come on. If the University doesn't allow awesomeness of this level, what are they gonna go after next? MS Paints?
Ease up, yo. Nobody is making money from these wallpapers, but a whole helluva lot of people are taking joy from them.
Call off your dogs, U-M.
October 12th, 2010 at 11:51 AM ^
I've been changing them every week, and I'm sick of looking at this fucking Michigan State one. Unfortunately I was using the "set as desktop" option rather than the "save image as" option, so I don't have any of the old wallpapers on my computer.
Sooo if anyone has the Denard action figure saved on their computer...hook a brother up?
October 12th, 2010 at 2:11 PM ^
I'll send it.
October 12th, 2010 at 4:44 PM ^
heatcat6 at live dot com
October 12th, 2010 at 1:07 PM ^
Saw that coming.