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General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
I was thinking about designing custom Mini Cooper hats and shirts that are unique, eye catching and different. My question is this if anyone knows... Would Mini Cooper have a problem with this? Or would it be just fine due to the fact it's custom graphic work done by me? I have some really cool concepts rather than the same old boring Mini Cooper hats and shirts you see out on the internet that Mini Cooper sells.
If I decide to do this I plan to give out a few hats and shirts to the members here on the forum board for feedback. I'd love to hear everyone's comments...
Last edited by californiadreaming; Mar 7, 2019 at 10:42 AM.
I'm not a lawyer but I would imagine you're fine unless you start using their trademarks. That is, you put your custom design of a MINI on a shirt and you're probably fine. Start using their text/lettering/brand designs/logos and you might incur their wrath.
Or just do it and see if you get a cease and desist. Some companies don't care about enthusiasts making projects and products because they feel it ultimately supports their product and its community.
As a side note,
I really really really really really really love the old Innocenti version of the all lowercase MINI logo,
would love to have a shirt something like this:
Blipshift is exactly what came to mind. User-created creative content, but you never see straight up branding. I think I have about every Mini shirt they've done.
I see plenty of MINI related stuff for sale on Amazon that is probably not licensed. I got this shirt for Christmas, and with no logo on it, I doubt they would lose if sued for infringement.
I was thinking about designing custom Mini Cooper hats and shirts that are unique, eye catching and different. My question is this if anyone knows... Would Mini Cooper have a problem with this? Or would it be just fine due to the fact it's custom graphic work done by me? I have some really cool concepts rather than the same old boring Mini Cooper hats and shirts you see out on the internet that Mini Cooper sells.
If I decide to do this I plan to give out a few hats and shirts to the members here on the forum board for feedback. I'd love to hear everyone's comments...
I don't know about Mini, but I know VW had major issues. You might want to see if BMW will give you permission before you do something that gets you an unpleasant letter from a corporate lawyer.
I sincerely appreciate everyones feedback, and I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on the progress. Going to talk to BMW first or at least attempt to reach them. I wouldn't copy their logo, and everything that I would do would be unique to Mini Cooper and their design work, which is boring for the most part, but that's just my opinion, of course.
For me, I've been driving Porsches forever, and they have really, really cool stuff to wear, but when it comes to Mini Cooper, in general, the apparel is boring to say the least. I'm trying to think outside the box and do something to shine light on the Mini Cooper apparel side.
I think it would be a great idea, if you can. The hats and shirts out there are just not cutting it and we need something cooler, to show our love for these street legal go-Karts!
Keep us posted!
You could have one for all the different generation models! I am a gen 1 guy with a 06 MCS JCW!
Many years ago, we were involved with the BMW Corporate Identity Program as it affected BMW CCA. BMW, rightfully so, jealously protects its trademarks and intelligent property. If you do contact their legal department, be prepared to submit your designs to them for approval which may prove to be very time consuming.
One of our engineerings here before he worked for us had his MINI featured on Blipshift, pretty cool shirt. BTW he has his R53 JCW that was featured and we have another Tech in R&D who has a R56 MCS and R60 ALL4. Along with a new F55 and my R58 JCW and R52 MCC w/JCW kit.
So we have a bunch of MINIs here!
I'm thinking out of the box designs. Something that amplifies the spirit of the brand. I won't use the same font or logos - it's boring! I want something that we all look at and say "far out" or that's sick! Coming from a Porsche background and driving a Porsche that cost a cool half a $xxx,xxx, you see amazing apparel from Porsche, but this is not the case with Mini. Love the car but dislike their design and apparel. Their marketing is horrible in my opinion when it comes to their fleet and style. I love my JCW more than the Porsche! I want the style to reflect just that!
Last edited by californiadreaming; Mar 10, 2019 at 10:22 AM.
As long as you don't use the same font, or the same 'shape' of logo, you should be OK. I am a corporate lawyer. And I don't want any free stuff!!
Are you sure you don't want a free shirt? . Thank you for the input too... I will not use their logo or fonts. I'm creative and thinking brighter ideas!
I sincerely appreciate everyones feedback, and I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on the progress. Going to talk to BMW first or at least attempt to reach them. I wouldn't copy their logo, and everything that I would do would be unique to Mini Cooper and their design work, which is boring for the most part, but that's just my opinion, of course.
For me, I've been driving Porsches forever, and they have really, really cool stuff to wear, but when it comes to Mini Cooper, in general, the apparel is boring to say the least. I'm trying to think outside the box and do something to shine light on the Mini Cooper apparel side.
Thanks again to everyone!
If you contact BMW, you are almost assured to be told "No." They might go to the trouble of asking you to submit designs for review and approval, but probably won't want to expend, the time or energy for something that won't generate any revenue. In general, attorneys' jobs are to reduce risk to the company. Easiest way to do that is to tell you no. Then, anything you do can be quickly challenged in court, which is a game they will win because you probably don't have deep enough pockets to play.
My advice (not an attorney, but lots of real world experience): don't ask, just go for it. Follow the advice of others, and don't duplicate logo, font, etc, and let them decide if they want the hassle of trying to stop you. Most likely they won't. We're too small an enthusiast community for you to get enough buzz to go viral. Fly under their radar.
If you contact BMW, you are almost assured to be told "No." They might go to the trouble of asking you to submit designs for review and approval, but probably won't want to expend, the time or energy for something that won't generate any revenue. In general, attorneys' jobs are to reduce risk to the company. Easiest way to do that is to tell you no. Then, anything you do can be quickly challenged in court, which is a game they will win because you probably don't have deep enough pockets to play.
My advice (not an attorney, but lots of real world experience): don't ask, just go for it. Follow the advice of others, and don't duplicate logo, font, etc, and let them decide if they want the hassle of trying to stop you. Most likely they won't. We're too small an enthusiast community for you to get enough buzz to go viral. Fly under their radar.
I'm an XL. 😉😊
Better to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Completely agree with above. BMW will tell you to pound sand.
I'm thinking out of the box designs. Something that amplifies the spirit of the brand. I won't use the same font or logos - it's boring! I want something that we all look at and say "far out" or that's sick! Coming from a Porsche background and driving a Porsche that cost a cool $500,000, you see amazing apparel from Porsche, but this is not the case with Mini. Love the car but dislike their design and apparel. Their marketing is horrible in my opinion when it comes to their fleet and style. I love my JCW more than the Porsche! I want the style to reflect just that!
Your opinion on Minis marketing is shared by many including many of their dealers. I was interviewed face to face by one of their 3rd party agencies in Jan 2015. I got the immediate feeling by the many questions asked that Mini was struggling with the company that was marketing them at the time. Soon thereafter Mini took their marketing back in house. They aren't doing a very good job at promoting themselves currently, just seems like they tweaked what was being done prior.
Porsche and Ferrari have the best merchandise across the board. Both of them are on par with Formula 1 merchandising, who I believe are at the top of their game. Just my opinion.
Best of luck. Keep us in the loop.
@ pjsjr13.- You hit it right on the nail. The Mini vehicle is a great product, but the marketing side is lacking to attract a greater audience, and their apparel is far below standards when comparing to Porsche and Ferrari. I have some awesome Porsche apparel and love it! Thus is the reason that I'm wanting to do something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to the Mini side of things!
I'm working on the first concept t-shirt for the Mini and hope to have something out in the next 30-45 days.
O - - O 
