you are right about that. it's more $tern probably working on something. Scared of what? a mod that cost a few dollars, something they used to have on the machine, cost cutting but higher price for a lot less.

it's funny, because we are making pocket money to help buy their next pinball.

Guys,

We go through this exact same thing every time a new licensed game comes out.

If you don't get permission to use a licensed theme, you are going to get a C&D.

This is not news, and you can't act surprised.

Even if you give it away for free, you still have to get permission.

and i agree with you, my point is, it's not like we are criminals, we are just having fun.
instead of sending notices, why not ask us if we want to work something out with them, we all know it's not going to happen... it's all about the benjamins.

and how many ideas did stern stole? back in the days and now?

When Stern signs up as a licensor, they agree to enforce the licensee's copyright.

So if they see an infringement, they have to tell you to C&D.

i get that... but.

''instead of sending notices, why not ask us if we want to work something out with them, we all know it's not going to happen...''

''and how many ideas did stern stole? back in the days and now?''

it's not, can't be and makes no sense at all. it's not related in anyway with the license.
does that mean we can't put green rubber band in the game? or fabricate green el wires to put in the game?

Simple Swinks. It's not...

Just make a Tom Petty shooter rod.....

They can't prevent you from making something that could be used on the game if it's not infringing on a license. If that's what they are saying it is absurd.

You got that right, once I buy the game I can paint it pink with purple poka dots if I want to. Same with my Mustang, Ford can't tell me I can't put different rims and a bigger motor in it. If I want the "official" Ford logo valve covers on it I'll have to pay more dollars for them compaired to cheaper generic covers that look the same but without the Ford logo. They can't tell me what to do with the game I bought.

Swinks, can you look at my PM

i'm guessing anything involving the movies you can't, ecto, slimer, logo and everything else.

Agreed. Im betting overkill on this pin will happen tho with crap everywhere on the pf like some twd's going around that just look plain ridiculous... but each to their own.

This pin is loaded. I'm going to be very careful with any additions i make.

You can do with your machine ANYTHING you want; however, when your take proprietary material and sell it in the marketplace you will have to be licensed to do so.

You can talk trash about Stern all you want, but when it comes down to it they are making deals with the right people to get things done. This costs a lot of money and they are due their investment back. If you want to do the same you must make the deal or simply team up with them if you want to use licensed material.

I will be happy with my GBLE as it comes. I will add mods that I make or are licensed if needed. The subwoofer, colordmd, and better speakers will be off the shelf. It's all good!

Swinks and I worked it out, I do the mod ideas, Stern doesn't have me make other people's mods. So I am the accountable one if someone is unhappy with what I make. You can always PM me for a discussion.

That's one of the reasons I came out with my Leg Light-Ups, the front (and back if you like) has been totally neglected except for beatmasters shooter housing light ups. We add light and color where it was sorely needed....in my opinion.

They just sent you some boilerplate that they sent out to 50 other people today.

I"m sure they did not do an in depth study of your product.

If your not infringing, don't worry about it.

Lighting effects like yours and bobs are fantastic. It's the pf plastic toys n crap that get out of hand.

Yup, that's why I don't put model cars all over the pf on my Mustang just some extra lighting effects on that and other games. But GB is so well lit I may not have to do that but I'm sure I'll think of something when I get it.

Well there's always beatmasters and my light ups. Swinks topper is way cool but is that copyright infringement also? Swinks what say you? With the way Stern is I wouldn't even consider buying their topper or any other mod from them no matter how cool it is. They'll get my money for the pin and that's it. They may have their reasons for doing what their doing but that doesn't mean I have to go along or like it.

The way around this is to offer them for free, and tip or donate to the mod maker. Either way its BS and almost impossible to enforce.

Still need permission.

We have several mods already complete, and 2 are at Stern for approval. We already have the plastic protectors finished and will be sold exclusively through Stern. I am currently making an alternative topper that I will be submitting for approval though Stern. I also have several mods that are being worked on in conjunction with Matt @ Back Alley Creations..We will be releasing a few here soon.

Stern didn't need to approve the protectors I assume. That would be a little overreaching.

For those interested in some background on theatrical licensing in general (as well as with specific reference to GB) check out:

Sony kicks off 30th anniversary merchandising drive for Ghostbusters
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/ghostbusters-mod-index-all-modders-add-your-products/page/3#post-3048752

and

SPCP Represents Sony Pictures Entertainment’s TV and Theatrical Properties.
http://www.retail-merchandiser.com/reports/licensing-reports/1775-sony-pictures-consumer-products-1

No.. I am just manufacturing for them. They supplied me with the plastic outlines, they will be available in about a week.

that's good to hear.

Gotcha. As a person in the non-licensed mod biz I was about to have a WTF moment.

First thing I thought when I seen this pin is how good the city windows would look lit up with yellow leds. Both the flat plastic ones around the back and sides and also the moulded piece.

Ooops wrong link...

I meant:

Sony kicks off 30th anniversary merchandising drive for Ghostbusters
http://www.licensing.biz/news/read/sony-kicks-off-30th-anniversary-merchandising-drive-for-ghostbusters/039242

So does that mean if we want them we'll have to pay their way marked up price? Or will they be the price you would normally sell them to us for?

Well that's some good news. Thanks.

I'm with you.

i agree, joe is a great guy and i always buy his product from pinball life, i'm happy for him if he can do business with stern.
with that said, i will never, ever buy a mod from stern. an idea from someone else and they will use it to make a bigger profit.

In case you guys were looking for an Ecto 1 that is licensed here it is. I think this is one of the better ones that I've stumble across.

http://www.toynk.com/ghostbusters-ecto-1-45-vinyl-figure-nbk-09617-c-63327

image_(resized).jpeg

That car is licensed, but how do you know the seller is licensed to sell it? They could have bought them wholesale and are reselling them without a license. They are sold on eBay too, no way all those sellers are licensed. is that IP infringement? Since you've pointed this seller out, stern is now aware of it and would have to send them a c&d order and they would have to stop selling it unless they can present a seller certificate. Is this not right?

What about all the gb licensed memorabilia that people sell? Is it illegal for them to sell it if they aren't licensed? Tons of gb stuff sold on eBay, my guess is 99% of those sellers aren't licensed to sell any of it.

How is that different than a guy selling an ecto 1 license plate here on pinside?

According to the guy's website he has licenses for everything he sells. Not sure what the situation would be if you bought a bunch of these and used them for a pinball machine mod and sold them. My guess is you would still have to get permission.

Hallmark hade a nicely detailed ecto 1 that would be ripe for modding with leds. I thinks there is a hot wheels version as well. Either of those would be too small for a topper but might look nice somewhere by the firehouse or over the shooter lane.

Own this, can confirm it is very nice. Goes on my tree every year.

Seems like Stern wouldn't be able to go after them because it's not related to pinball. Now if it's Sony(Columbia) I guess they could. It's a very gray area.

I would like to oppose another thing. What if these so called mods were made prior to the GB announcement. I'm sure Stern wouldn't be sending c&d then.