Yesterday, we reported on the BotCon 2015 brochure going online. However, there was a very important piece of information contained within that may have been missed by some readers.
This morning, TFW2005 boards veteran Shin-Gouki brought to our attention the following quote from within the brochure:
“Exhibitor’s product content must be at least 50% Transformers related. This means robots, action figures, comics, sci-fi or related products. General toys or dolls are not allowed. Exhibitors must collect the 8% Illinois sales tax or current rate in effect at the time of the show. Exhibitors must file and pay using the forms provided at the show one week after the conclusion of the event. Please do not bring products that violate Hasbro owned intellectual property“
This is further backed up by two other relevant quotes from TFW2005 boards member Autobot City Comics 2008, who had attended JoeCon 2015 this year, where a vendor he was working was was told to take his 3rd party Transformers items down:
“Yes they are they did it to the vendor I was working with at Joecon he had a little 3rd party transformers and was told by Pete to take it down. We asked if it was going to be In forced at Botcon and he said yes but not as 3rd party but as IP infringement”Furthermore, Fun Publications employee Pete Sinclair supplied some other pertinent quotes further clarifying the situation recently on The Allspark:
“I lobbied for the term ‘3rd party’ to be dropped. It’s a meaningless term.
Main thing that we will not permit are items that infringe on Hasbro’s IP. If an exhibitor is unsure if something infringes on the IP, most likely it infringes on the IP. So. Don’t bring it.”
“It will be strictly enforced.” “I’m not sure what else you want me to say? IP infringing items will not be permitted to be sold. They are not allowed at the show and there will be someone on hand to monitor this.”Yes indeed folks, it seems that unofficial items will be barred from BotCon 2015 this year. What are your thoughts on this revelation? Sound off after the break!
UPDATE:
Pete@Botcon has clarified that “Vendors are free to contact us ahead of time with questions.” If you are a dealer and are unsure if the items you are bringing will be allowed, then please check ahead of time to see if your items are allowed.
Superquad7
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jestermon
I'm pretty sure your job description is whatever they tell you to do, or they will just get someone that will do it.
StarSaber
I'm not saying they couldn't. I'm saying they might not care to do so because it's not their responsibility. Brian and/or FP aren't going to do anything about it until Hasbro tells them to which seems to be the case here. Otherwise, why would they care? They want dealers to bring MORE to sell not less. It's in their best interests to keep both the dealers and the fans happy BUT it's also in their best interests as a licensee/partner to keep HASBRO happy as well.
And real mature mocking my omega/.sig./postscript.
It comes off as the internet equivalent of "I know you are but what am I?". Really?
-SS (What are you? Eight?)
videriant
What exactly are we considering "fan backlash"? The anonymous bitching and whining that goes these threads?
Because I was at Botcon 2012. And I don't remember anything happening there that was significant enough to be considered fan backlash (as far as 3P).
Shin-Gouki
Seriously? The design people how what they made and what they did not. All they would have to do is say something to Brian and boom, enforcement.
-SG (Insert stupid comment here)
StarSaber
If by "3rd Party products" you mean fully-transformable robots bearing an uncanny likeness to Hasbro characters then…yes.
If you mean accessory packs of original design…no, those will be allowed with the exception of custom heads that are clearly meant to be characters from Hasbro-licensed media.
Venksta's post pretty clearly spells out what's allowed and what's not.That he can't
sell IDW-based heads there is pretty damn telling.
I mean if you can't sell HEADS, you certainly can't sell entire robot toys.
As for generating controversy, it's definitely done that.
-SS (150 pages worth at least.)
StarSaber
I doubt it's in the job description for the Hasbro design team to scout the convention for IP-infringing items and report them even if they have the opportunity and means. They may not even care as it's not their department and therefore neither their concern nor their problem.
A rep for Hasbro Legal however…
-SS (Now which one is more likely to enact and enforce a ban?)
stad
So wait, they're not going to allow 3rd Party products at BotCon this year?!!
You would think a move like that might generate some controversy…