Karl,
Steven may have a point, maybe it's just a feeling, but I think I'd still be
a tad bit concerned, whether they had returned my calls or not. Some
companies are very touchy when it comes to reproducing their products in any
way shape or form.
Martin
In a message dated 10/1/01 8:39:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
KDenton@williams-int.com writes:
> Steven,
>
> I suppose that if you were going to sell an item to the masses in true
> competition with PEZ there may be an issue. We would make PEZ heads
> starting at $199 each (some going as high as $495 depending on detail and
> material). Not something that the general public will by thousands or even
> several of. The design of the PEZ interface was done be me so I could
> offer look-a-like PEZ heads via ToyBuilders.com. There was clearly a
> market as we did produce them however the main purchaser was the corporate
> world for special occasions and they wanted their logos in stead of people.
> I did look into the patents held by the PEZ company and most have or are
> about to expire. I tried contacting the PEZ company regarding look-a-like
> PEZ heads and they would not return my calls. They have a statement on
> their website that indicates that they do not want to produce such items.
>
> As we all have several email address these days this is coming from my
> employer provided address and as such my employer is not connected in any
> way with the PEZ head or CPI.
>
> Karl R. Denton
> Lead Engineer
> RP and Casting Operations
> Williams International
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Steven Pollack [mailto:StevenP@DigitalJeweler.NET]
> Sent: Sunday, September 30, 2001 7:49 PM
> To: Karl R. Denton
> Cc: rp-ml@rapid.lpt.fi
> Subject: Re: The PEZ Interface
>
> I am wondering about any copyright or trademark issues of this. Isn't Pez
> owned by someone?
> There have been recent legal cases that suggest that it is illegal for the
> owner of a Rolex watch to have third party aftermarket parts put on their
> product and to have the name Rolex remain on the altered product. Rolex's
> claim was that there was a dilution of brand by having Rolex still on a
> watch not of their design or making.
> Steven
> "Karl R. Denton" wrote:
>
> >> Hello all,
>> Based on the response I received from the announcement of the Common PEZ
>> Interface Data Kit I wanted to clarify just what it is...
>> THE CPI data is CAD data that when merged with you or your clients CAD
>> data will produce a "PEZ head" note that the term PEZ Head does not
>> necessarily mean a human head it may in fact mean a corporate logo or
>> other item. I will be posting a couple of samples on the website in the
>> coming days. The kit includes two stereolithography interfaces. As
>> stated you can build the interfaces as standalone and glue what ever you
>> want to the top to produce the same effect. You do not receive the PEZ
>> dispenser. These can be purchased at any candy or 5&10 store for less
>> then a $1 each. When you get the dispenser take the head (object) off and
>> replace it with the one you created using the CPI.
>> I neglected to announce that there is a 33% discount for schools and
>> universities. The CPI has been sold and used as training aids in CAD
>> classes. It makes learning about design a bit more fun and the end result
>> can be built on any RP machine for little cost.
>> Karl R. Denton
>> P.O. Box 621
>> Walled Lake, MI 48390
>> www.karldenton.com
>>
>
>
>
>
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