Slag-A-Con 2010 (US TFs convention)

[transjazz]

I have not used anything of theirs. It stated on my website that it is unofficial. I have contacted them via-email and phone to which I have had no response. I am sending them a certified letter this time to ask for permission to use their product names.

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't know how Hasbro USA works, but in my experience with Hasbro Australia you may be required to pay licensing fees. Hasbro's licensing fees are designed for businesses (e.g.: Jayjays) and are therefore incredibly expensive for an individual. For example, the cost for a licence to print a Transformers comic book is $10,000.

This is just based on my experience with Hasbro Australia -- Hasbro USA might work differently. Good luck either way.

[transjazz]

Thanks for the heads up.

[griffin]

They can also just give 'free' permission, if the event isn't intending to generate profit. They gave us permission a few times for our events without charging a fee.
The problem for an American convention though is the locallised existance of the official collector club, so Hasbro US may be less likely to authorise a 'Transformers' convention.
Perhaps contact the organisors of other TFs conventions in America to see if they had any problems with Hasbro.

The other thing - perhaps replace the name 'Transformers' with something more generic, as the usage of the actual brand name in your title could have Hasbro or the Official TFs Club (who paid a license to 'own' the TFs convention concept) jump on you. The other non-BotCon conventions appear to omit the TFs name (to not upset Hasbro or the Official Club), but still market themselves effectively as a Transformers convention.

[transjazz]

Thank You Griffin,

I did send off an email to my web guy to actually get rid of the title banner as well as add a statement about Hasbro being the owner of all the trademarks and copyrights of names, figures and such. I hope this keeps the lawyers from beating down my doors.

I appreciate all the insight. It has helped me make changes where they were needed.

[GoktimusPrime]

"Sentient Sci-Fi Transforming Robot Convention."

[transjazz]

Non-organic shifting form convention

[transjazz]

I am working on a deal with a local radio station to be a major sponser and have one of their DJs host and judge the karaoke contest.

[GoktimusPrime]

Strictly Transformers Karaoke right? I'd be totally down for that. I sing TF songs in my car while driving.

[transjazz]

Yes, strictly TF songs. TF show theme songs, 86' TF Movie Music, Live action Movie and ROTF Movie songs. I can not wait to see everyone that does this contest. I think it will be lots of fun!