Disney pulled the plug?

[TravelinGal]

I'm trying to figure out what I missed here. Disney said we weren't allowed to design shirts and give the images away at not charge? Can anyone clarify for me? I went back 6 pages looking for information and couldn't find anything.

Thanks

 

[Madisonsmom926]

Maybe this would help you out...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1371910&page=229

Look at Amy's (M_I_C_K_E_Y) post

Hope this helps you out!!

 

[The Disney Bunch]

I do not understand though - she apparently was singled out because she used the disney name in her website - I do not see how this would have affected any of the other DISigners. Not to be disrespectful- you guys are doing an amazing job. If you are doing it for free - what harm is there?

 

[noahdove]

I think I understand the problem. Amy and Pat had donation buttons on their site. I believe that is where Disney had a problem, not with their designs,as their designs are incredible I hope this is correct, if not please someone let me know..thank you

 

[~*~Michelle~*~]

that was my understanding as well. They had donation buttons.

 

[The Disney Bunch]

That makes more sense - Disney wants to make sure that they get every red cent from anybody profiting from them. ugh - they spoil things sometimes!

 

[rumblytumbly]

But Pat's site is still up http://www.patsdesigns.com/ and designs can still be saved from her site. She never said that she had been contacted by Disney she just hasn't been around. Hope she is just taking a much deserved break and that things are ok with her.

 

[~*~Michelle~*~]

yes Kari, you're right. I had a brain freeze there! LOL But, I think that is why they targeted Amy. I hope everything is ok w/Pat.

 

[TravelinGal]

Thanks for the link. It makes more sense now... (not!)

I'm sorry that this happened. Hopefully other designers won't be nailed too, but I suppose it's good to keep a low profile for a while. If they can force the web server people (or whoever it was - sorry I'm and not very coherent right now) to disclose her information, I imagine the could force the DIS to do the same.

 

[hmerritt]

So couldn't they have just taken the donation link off their site instead of having to pull all their designs and just stop?

 

[~*~Michelle~*~]

it was an agreement she made w/Disney. They said she couldn't design Disney stuff anymore or they would proceed w/legal action or something to that effect.

 

[hmerritt]

That's just awful! How horrible it must be for her to not be able to do what she loves anymore.

What a shame-
Heather

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

This has already been posted on the boards at one time but it may answer some of what is being discussed here:

I did have a donation link on my webpage so I am not sure if that is what spurred it or not but the wording on the letter made me think that it was not just that but content as well. This is one of the lines in the letter. I assumed that "copy" is what they mean by our placing images on the designs.

Because of these rights, no one is authorized to manufacture, copy, advertise, offer for sale or sell any products utilizing the Disney Properties without Disney’s express written permission.

Then he said "the content offered on you website violates Disney rights... requests that you discontinue the infringements that appear..."

I made the decision to stop all designing even though he never mentioned the boards. It only takes one letter from a legal professional for me to stop, take notice and learn.

When I looked up the man online and read his bio off the law office webpage - his job desciption stated that he is responsible for online trademark infringement. I would imagine that they probably sweep websites with Disney keywords and that is how he found my webpage. All of this is speculation. I never contacted him after recieving the letter. I was (and am) a little freaked out at the possibility of a legal battle with a company as big as Disney. So, I made the best decision for me - and that was to just stop all together.

I hope that somehow this helps explain a little.

 

[poohfriend]

But i'm really sad that it was AMY in th crossfire. I personally think it's because your designs are so good. Disney really has to take notice of designs that look better than a lot of stuff they sell in the parks and in the Disney stores.

Since so much of the designs use clipart available all over the web, that must be one busy lawyer.

AMY -- somewhere -- in another thread perhaps -- you mentioned the "silver" lining of this situation. As much as I LOVE your designs, finding more time for your family is amazing. The kids will grow and leave home. I'm certain neither of us will regret time spent with them instead of in front of our computer. Every Disaddict (ME INCLUDED) should learn from your silver lining. I know many of our families directly benefited from your generosity and time.

Three cheers for AMY

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

But i'm really sad that it was AMY in th crossfire. I personally think it's because your designs are so good. Disney really has to take notice of designs that look better than a lot of stuff they sell in the parks and in the Disney stores.

Since so much of the designs use clipart available all over the web, that must be one busy lawyer.

AMY -- somewhere -- in another thread perhaps -- you mentioned the "silver" lining of this situation. As much as I LOVE your designs, finding more time for your family is amazing. The kids will grow and leave home. I'm certain neither of us will regret time spent with them instead of in front of our computer. Every Disaddict (ME INCLUDED) should learn from your silver lining. I know many of our families directly benefited from your generosity and time.

Three cheers for AMY

Thank you very much for such a kind message! I am so glad to a part of this community. Everyone is so kind and wonderful!

I see that you leave in 10 days - Have a great Trip/Cruise!