http://www.slyck.com/story1334.html

"From what started off as a TV series, the large following of the cancelled hit TV show 'Fire-Fly' was allegedly encouraged to create fan-based content for the movie 'Serenity'. Success was growing as the viral 'word of mouth' started spreading. It spread so well that Universal took notice. The next thing the community knew was that notice and takedown messages soon followed.

"11th Hour Art's offering for sale and sale of unauthorized 'Serenity' shirts may give rise to multiple violations of law, giving rise to various causes of action for copyright infringement, counterfeiting, and unfair competition, among other claims. Recovery on one or more of these claims may include attorney's fees, treble damages, statutory damages, and punitive damages." That was according to a post by 11th hour, a Shirt artist.

While it seems that original artwork was present that had nothing to do with the film, Universal also stated in an alleged cease and desist notice, "That, no later than close of business on October 30, 2006, 11th Hour Art agree in writing to permanently cease and desist from the advertising, promoting, marketing, sale or distribution of any products bearing or referring to Universal Property."

"I'm exhausted, emotionally and physically. I've spent most of the past few days since the notification overhauling my shop." Comments '11th Hour', "I've put aside all other projects, and haven't gotten that much sleep doing this. I'm actually starting to feel ill... this whole thing is just sickening."

Affinitive provided a case study on the instance saying, "Universal was able to create a community around the release of Serenity that harnessed the power of a large member base that exceeded the most optimistic of expectations. Members were encouraged to form regional groups to promote the film and perform activities that would help generate word of mouth, like creating bumper stickers and gift cards." It concluded, "While the theatrical release of Serenity met only modest success at the box office, the Browncoats campaign maintained momentum through the DVD release, whose success spurred additional sales of the original Firefly DVD. At one point following the release of Serenity on DVD, both Serenity and Firefly were #1 and #2 on Amazon.com's bestseller list despite the Firefly DVD being over a year old."

One blogger warns, "make sure you're not using any official logos, character or ship likenesses, reproductions of movie graphics, or other potential copyright infringements."

Universal Studios was unavailable for comment."

actions indicative of universal cartel crap

(nothing new in my post below,
except for some newcomers)

universal's kind of cartel crap has been occurring in the area of music, movies, and t.v. for quite some time

it seems the cartels are emboldened by unrealistic copyright legislation that their lobbyists had managed to get Congress to pass some years ago
and they're determined to milk their ill-conceived advantage to the hilt
oppressing anyone or any entity that they feel they have a distinct legal advantage over

what ought to be fair or what really should be right doesn't mean a single iota to them at all
they plan to steamroller straight ahead full speed
because unharnessed greed and power know no limits

welcome to the sad sick world of intellectual-property harassment
steered by the despicable MPAA and the RIAA

"...permanently cease and desist from the advertising, promoting, marketing, sale or distribution of any products bearing or referring to Universal Property."

How about a t-shirt that says, "Universal Sucks!"? Or you could do them for specific movies. "(Movie title here) Sucks!"

Now you're not advertising, you're a critic. If you're really creative, it may qualify as a satire or parody. You're now in the Constitutionally Protected Zone. You can even use the official logos if you want.

good idea George!

As usual, great idea George. I don't know where this BS is going to end.
Maybe there is hope somewhere...Britney just filed for divorce from "K-Fed".....

Weapons of Mass Distaction...

Orrin Hatch was just re-elected.....shit.

["Orrin Hatch was just re-elected.....shit"]
...but enough of his constituants were fired..

Maybe there is hope somewhere...Britney just filed for divorce from "K-Fed".....


Mancrush alert!

If you're really creative, it may qualify as a satire or parody.

Look how far thats gotten us here

"Mancrush alert!"

Who?? C-Fed?

1854 -- What? We should take the music industry seriously? I think not.

The RIAA has a lot of new congresscritters to buy and they'll probably have to replace Bainwol and Sherman, too.

Boycott Serenity and Firefly. Maybe when they see a big fat zero on veiwership or sales Universal will get the idea that they suck.

What am I thinking, Universal is too stuck up to notice something like that.

When people boycott the show, Universal will scream 'PIRATES! WE GOTS PIRATES!' And so not grow a clue...

(I think not.)

That explains everything.