WARNING! Warner Bros on the warpath!

[THEMAN]

Just thought I'd warn folks... luckily the bidder had already won with "buy it now" and paid...and I already shipped the boots. but I received this email after the fact stating the removal of the listing from ebay.

Now these had no actual Batman property markings on them, and were merely useabe as a Batman style of boot...but not even close to an actual used or produced Batman specific item like MC boots or something like that. This seemed pretty crazy to me, so all us costumer folks selling their stuff out there better look out for Big Brother and others that may be targeting the little folk. Here is the email and a pic of the boots...

Dear evil_mechanic,

You recently listed the following auction-style listing:

160170512346 - Batman, Darth Maul Costume Motorcycle DirtBike Boots

The listing was removed because it violated eBay policy. All fees related to this listing have been credited to your account. We also notified members who placed bids on the item that the listing has
been canceled.

The rights owner, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., notified eBay that this listing violates intellectual property rights. When eBay receives a report of this type of violation, we remove the listing to comply with the law.

A listing or item may violate intellectual property rights if the seller:
- Uses a manufacturer's photo or item description
- Lists a counterfeit or fake item
- Lists illegal copies of media such as music, movies, computer programs, and video games

For more information on the eBay Reported by Rights Owner - Unauthorized Item/Listing policy, please visit:

pages.ebay.com/help/tp/pr...ro-ov.html

- Take eBay's brief tutorial on Intellectual Property Policies and VeRO
- Read the ended listings FAQ at pages.ebay.com/help/confi...sting.html
- Ask eBay a question using the link on the above help page

To take the intellectual property tutorial, please visit:

pages.ebay.com/help/tutor...intro.html

Please be aware that any additional violations of this policy may result in the suspension of your account. eBay understands that you may be concerned about this situation.We encourage you to contact Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. directly if you have any questions. You can send an email to:

anti-piracy@warnerbros.com

For more information on how eBay protects Intellectual Property visit the following Help page:

pages.ebay.com/help/tp/pr...ro-ov.html

Although there may be similar items currently listed on eBay, please be assured that your listings have not been targeted in any way. We review all listings that are reported to us by eBay members or Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) program participants, and we rely on those reports to help maintain the safety and security of our Community.

For more information on why eBay may remove a listing, please visit:

pages.ebay.com/help/tp/li...ended.html

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

eBay Trust & Safety

 

[ursus43]

Now these had no actual Batman property markings on them

Didn't have to... You used Batman in your listing title..... and you still have a warning from EBay.:eek

 

[SgtFang]

The new movie is coming out soon right? That's probably why. The legal dept is putting on a show for the new license holders. :unsure

-Sarge

 

[Walter]

Better conversation for the prop forum and not the junkyard.

-Bryan

 

[sector 7G]

WB has usually been the lesser of the evils when it comes to property rights, unlike another well known entity, it could have been one of their licensee that turned the dime on you.

 

[Noeland]

Yeah, and WB also recently gave a friend of mine a cease and desist order because he's making a Batman fan film as well. WB is not forgiving about what they see as theft.

I think whoever handles the VERO stuff for them particularly enjoys thier job! It's not just you!

 

[franz bolo]

You should list as Batman, Maul style boots or Boots can be used for Batman, Darth Maul costume.

FB

 

[THEMAN]

I will be extra careful on my wording from now on, that's for sure... I just know I've seen much more blatent stuff like using actual movie screen grabs to promote stuff from ebayers selling stuff. Didn't think mine warranted this kind of thing.

 

[Jedifyfe]

I found a way around your problem!!!!!

If you list your item and put BAT-MAN anyone searching BATMAN will pull up your listing!!!!

I think that should do it!

 

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

I can't remember the exact quote, but on that Mythbusters episode where they did superhero myths, Adam was calling Batman something like "crime fighting sonar using mammal" so they didn't say Batman. Do the same thing next time on your auctions.

 

[darthgordon]

The problem is that other people have to be able to find these things. Using some random words like that probably won't get you any hits.

Still odd though. But I guess they can pretty much do anything they want.