Legal Question...

**pats4801** · 12-30-2009 09:42 AM

So I'm starting my own computer building company but I use computer cases that are made by companies like apex. Is there anyway I can put my logo on the case without any legal problems or do I just have to start designing my own cases?

**ikjosh** · 12-30-2009 10:05 AM

Not an expert, but my first thought is - no

Might contact Apex and ask though

**pats4801** · 12-30-2009 10:40 AM

So how can I get my own computer cases made that belong to my company?

**ikjosh** · 12-30-2009 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by pats4801

So how can I get my own computer cases made that belong to my company?

Search for a manufacturer. I am sure there are probably companies that create blank cases that you could slap your logo on, just like you could buy blank t-shirts and slap your logo on

**DerekS** · 12-30-2009 10:53 AM

I don't see why it would be an issue. You're not claiming to produce computer cases, you're assembling computers for clients. So your logo would represent your assembly business, not the case itself.

**pats4801** · 12-30-2009 10:58 AM

Do you think that would hurt business? Would people think we're not a real company because they use cases made by other companies and not their own? Or does it really not make a difference?

**DerekS** · 12-30-2009 03:51 PM

When you're Ford Motor Company, you can take raw materials and turn them into a finished product. You can generate your own electricity and transport goods via your own railroad system.

When you're a small business, its OK to outsource a little bit. Hell, even the big automakers have vendors that produce stuff for them (ex AC DELCO was to GM.)

Don't sweat using someone else's case. You've outsourced all the other stuff as well. Just deliver a quality product, give good support, and you'll be OK.

**nationaltmc** · 12-30-2009 05:12 PM

You may use another company's cases, and use your business name for the service of "computer retail services." You can even trademark your business name (as a service mark).

**pats4801** · 12-30-2009 09:10 PM

What if I tweaked the case a little? Not much but just a little and then put my logo on there and removed the logo of the case maker? Would that be legal?

**DerekS** · 12-30-2009 09:22 PM

Why? Why waste any time doing that? You're assembling the system, not claiming to produce cases. Like I said before, focus on delivering a quality product and good service and you'll be fine. Over thinking details like this is unnecessary.

**akula** · 12-30-2009 11:16 PM

Originally Posted by pats4801

So I'm starting my own computer building company but I use computer cases that are made by companies like apex. Is there anyway I can put my logo on the case without any legal problems or do I just have to start designing my own cases?

i'm a lawyer
this is a very hard, complicated question..with no definite yes or no

without going into detail, the answer is yes, you can put your stickers on the case, as long as you are not misrepresenting to customers the true origin and make of the product...which is as vaigue a concept as it sounds..essentially take the point from DerekS

...anyways...just do it...if things are low key....i don't want you going and investing a million bucks into a whole bunch of inventory that might be infringing registered trademarks or misleading consumers

**akula** · 12-30-2009 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by DerekS

Why? Why waste any time doing that? You're assembling the system, not claiming to produce cases. Like I said before, focus on delivering a quality product and good service and you'll be fine. Over thinking details like this is unnecessary.

great advice, very practical, prudent and insightful

**pats4801** · 12-31-2009 10:18 AM

Thanks Guys

**peteVA** · 12-31-2009 11:38 AM

Computer shops have been putting their own logos on cases since the 1980s. The white box cases even have a 1 inch square just for that, they created a place for you to put a logo. There are companies that will supply metallic type stickers, you can have some printed locally, I used to simply print my own on standard label stock.

I would not hesitate an instant to put a logo on any case, even a built system from Dell, HP etc, if I supplied, installed and supported it. You can rest assured that the Chinese factories that punch out cases is not going to lose any sleep over it and they certainly will not take you to court.

If you sell a system a day for the rest of your life you will not account for more than an hour's production for them. They couldn't care less.

When is the last time the "case police" came through checking things? Even a corporate visit by software auditors does not include "case checks". I've had systems installed at places like Siemens and USAA insurance, where annual software audits are routine and my cases with my homemade labels are still there and functioning, as well as in many military installations.

Don't give it another thought.