Does the model manufacturer need authorization from Lockheed Martin?

[fallsviewer]

Hi, Folks,

One of my friend is starting a model factory like Trumpeter or Tamiya. He is wondering if he needs authorization from Lockheed Martin if he want to produce F-22 Raptor model kit. I know if you make and sell model cars like BMW, Porsche,. etc, you need authorization from the manufacturer. But for military model, such as fighter jets, destroyers and tanks, does the manufacturer need authorization? Appreciate if you can give any information. Thanks.

[digger303]

I suspect if you put the manufacturers name or logo on the kit then yes. But I'm no expert and it would be best to just go pay for some knowledgeable advice first. Silly to risk everything for a hr of somebodies time.

[ForbesHutton]

"JEEP" doesn't appear on most of the WWII kits as Jeep wants a royalty on the use of the name (funny, since most WWII Jeeps were made by Ford...), so it would seem that Jeep is the odd one out, as all other kits have the proper name on them (either Jeep is being greedy or they want way more money than the norm, I don't know). Such things would be hashed out when speaking to the manufacturer, as you would probably have to go through them to get the proper dimensions of the plane, or whatever, useless you were going to copy someone else's kit, which could land you in trouble if they ever found out/could prove it.

[digger303]

"JEEP" doesn't appear on most of the WWII kits as Jeep wants a royalty on the use of the name (funny, since most WWII Jeeps were made by Ford...), so it would seem that Jeep is the odd one out, as all other kits have the proper name on them (either Jeep is being greedy or they want way more money than the norm, I don't know). Such things would be hashed out when speaking to the manufacturer, as you would probably have to go through them to get the proper dimensions of the plane, or whatever, useless you were going to copy someone else's kit, which could land you in trouble if they ever found out/could prove it.

I know of one case of copying another's kit in which the guy got caught out. As the original manufacturer incorporated a little wrinkle into the molds so he was able to prove it. Resulted in a financial payout.

[BOABModels]

This might depend on patents and copyrights. Patents run out eventually but thanks to Mickey Mouse, copyright keeps being extended.

If the original Willy's Jeep was never copyrighted, they can use the design. My bet is the Lockheed is.

There was a recent case where it turned out Land Rover never copyrighted the shape of the Land Rover/Defender so cannot prevent a copycat company.