On Saturday, I was reading an article in the Grauniad about how some savvy manufacturers (including Nike) take advantage of fan and derivative products to promote their own brands.
By contrast, the Beeb is harrying someone who has published knitting patterns for Dr Who monsters on her web site.
They have all the stultifying lack of imagination of a monolithic corporation without any of the accountability to "customers". A pretend commercial enterprise funded largely by the taxpayers of the UK.
menhir
I heard the BBC news feature about the knitter who made and sold articles that were covered by copyright. To become noted, the knitter, who loved knitting (not an excuse) must have fabricated many of these articles. She may have done it without knowing the legal implications Lois, but making an unauthorised business out of someone else's protected intellectual property is unlawful. The BBC could have issued a writ, they did not, the knitter was given a warning.
However, though I am not a supporter of the BBC heavy-handed, presumptuous,arrogant brigade, I have to concede they do have a fair point on this issue. My complaint with the BBC is that they need to make sure they abide by the rules too.
Years ago, my mother made two stuffed toys for her young children, they were very recognisable. She never made more than the two, they were not made for profit, not made for marketing.