Classic Arcade Replicas

[grtcdnbvr]

I was thinking of making pre cut wood kits of classic designs like Ms Pac-Man, Burger Time, Centipede and was wondering if anyone knows of any legal concerns with replicating these cabinet designs.

[HaRuMaN]

Full size kits?

[grtcdnbvr]

Yes, No artwork or anything just all the panels and blocking cut and routed, ready to be glued and screwed.
Everything based on classic designs, maybe just custom cp layout options.

[HaRuMaN]

I don't think you should have any problem then.

What material do you plan on using?  Any idea on the price point?

[codefenix]

As far as I know, no one has ever held a copyright on the shape of something.  Coca-Cola bottles may be the only exception.  You should be good.

[yotsuya]

Any idea on what you would charge or how you would ship? Where are you located? I would love a Star Wars kit.

[HaRuMaN]

Any idea on what you would charge or how you would ship? Where are you located? I would love a Star Wars kit.

Yes, and tell me exactly when you are shipping it to him so I can intercept it...   

[rmusick]

I don't think there would be any legal implementation.  I know of several places selling them  Arcadeshop in Moultrie Georgia for one sells them.  there is another place I think in Utah as well.  I think as long as you honor all the copyrights you would be cool.

[yotsuya]

Any idea on what you would charge or how you would ship? Where are you located? I would love a Star Wars kit.

Yes, and tell me exactly when you are shipping it to him so I can intercept it...   

[CheffoJeffo]

Williams patented some of their cabinet designs -- the Joust cocktail for sure.

Having said that, I don't expect that anybody will give you problems, although there are a number of people doing this -- some using wrong information (and now cyber stalking and bullying those who have revealed him for what he his) and some doing a great job.

If I wanted to enter the market with something like this, I would talk to DPTWiz over on KLOV as he has good CNC plans for a number of cabinets (Joust cocktail included!) and was looking for folks to produce his kits locally in their regions. If you need someone to vouch for you (tKLOV changed the registration rules due to the aforementioned stalker/bully), drop me a PM here and I will take care of it.

EDIT: Just noticed you are a Canuckistanian -- Terry, is that you ? If not, there are some folks in Canada who have looked at doing the same thing.

[CheffoJeffo]

As far as I know, no one has ever held a copyright on the shape of something.  Coca-Cola bottles may be the only exception.  You should be good.

 

Your a idiot.

Not sure if serious....

Ditto.

[Mac Green]

well I know there is tron arcade templates were you have 1 piece of wood shaped like the sides maybe there's more like it for different games

[codefenix]

Your a idiot.

Ouch.

[grtcdnbvr]

Thanks to all for advice and direction.
CheffoJeffo I will be trying to get in touch with DPTWiz as suggested but you are right, I need authorization so i am PM'ing you my username over there.

I'm sure this is answered elsewhere but since it's relevant i'm just wondering what wood type people would prefer to see in this sort of thing.

[CheffoJeffo]

Vouching vouched. Hope things work out!

Where are you located -- I know folks who sometimes want cabs cut.

[grtcdnbvr]

I'm in the Hamilton area.
About 45 minutes from either Toronto or Buffalo.
and thanks again.

[CheffoJeffo]

Ah ... almost in the sweet spot ... which is, sadly, London.

I'm in Toronto -- hope to see you around sometime.

Check cgcc.ca and maaca.org if you end up making cabs -- might find some buyers.

 

[SammyWI]

As far as I know, no one has ever held a copyright on the shape of something.  Coca-Cola bottles may be the only exception.  You should be good.

 

Your a idiot.

[honkey]

There is a guy in town here that takes the exact shape and dimensions of classic arcade machines, puts in working boards and monitors, coin door and all, and then stains the wood and sells those machines. Is that legal?

[Unstupid]

I was thinking of making pre cut wood kits of classic designs like Ms Pac-Man, Burger Time, Centipede and was wondering if anyone knows of any legal concerns with replicating these cabinet designs.

Are you sure you are up to it?  It's a lot of work even with the right tools.  Do you have the right tools?  The only thing I saw on your build was a table saw.  Did you ever find the slot cutting bit? 

[SammyWI]

Let me put this a little more gently.  The shape of something would be a trademark, not a copyright.  The shapes of LOTS of products are trademarked, and yes, the Coke bottle is the obvious example that everyone knows.

I really wish people on this forum would read a brief summary of the differences between copyright, patents, and trademarks.  It'd cut down on a great deal of clutter.  

I really wish people on this forum would read a brief summary of the differences between copyright, patents, and trademarks you would stop acting like a horses' rear end so often.  It'd cut down on a great deal of clutter.  

[CheffoJeffo]

Your a idiot.

Let me put this a little more gently.  The shape of something would be a trademark, not a copyright.  The shapes of LOTS of products are trademarked, and yes, the Coke bottle is the obvious example that everyone knows.

I really wish people on this forum would read a brief summary of the differences between copyright, patents, and trademarks.  It'd cut down on a great deal of clutter.   

1 -- You're, not your

2 -- an, not a

3 -- this is a patent

Anybody else wanna lip?

 

[DaveMMR]

I really wish people on this forum would read a brief summary of the differences between copyright, patents, and trademarks.  It'd cut down on a great deal of clutter.   

This is not a message board for lawyers; we sort of knew what he meant. A simple correction ("I think you meant x not y") in your first reply instead of a vague insult, requiring a second to explain what was wrong to us "laymen", would also cut down on a great deal of clutter. 

To the OP: You will definitely want to consult a lawyer if you're turning this into a full-fledged business, just to cover yourself.  But I personally think you'd be okay as everyone else said.

[michelevit]

When I build cabinets, I refer to them as 'tributes'
Its a modern tribute to the original. I'm not copying them, but paying homage
to a era gone by. It seems the only people who are offended are loyalist (1%).
Now that many of my friends are having children, parents really enjoy introducing
their children to the games of their misspent youth.
I don't know why so many people are worrying about the legality and morality of reproducing
a wooden box. Its a fun hobby to me.