Hobie Logo

Designing a shirt for our hobie fleet.What are the legalities involved with using the hobie symbol.

I don't know for sure, but I would bet it can't be done without some legal ramifications and what those may be I do not know. After all, I believe the Hobie symbol is trademarked. This is just my guess and some
one more in the know than I will reply shortly.

The logo is still owned by the Alter family.
We have just sent an email to Jeff in the past to get approval to use the logo on shirts.
As long as it's for a Hobie fleet there won't be an issue.

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Pat Bisesi
Fleet 204 Syracuse, NY

Your probably opening up a can of worms. I would just erase this entire thread and just do it. I would bet it's one of those: 1) Are you profiting from it or displacing profit that hobie would otherwise be getting? 2) Does it negatively effect the brand by being either done poorly or bad taste? If both of those answers are no, then it still will be a pain in the ass. Matt's your best bet on this one. I would come up with some cool art work, show it to him, then ask.

It's really just alot easier just to do something "cat" similiar though.(legally)

Pat is correct. The Alter family, represented by Jeff and Hobie Jr. own the trademark "flying H" logo and the "Hobie" name. They make a substantial part of their living from the royalties and license fees paid by manufacturers (like Hobie Cat and others) to use the trademarks.

That being said, they have no problem granting permission for it to be used for non-profit, non-commercial use. Ask nicely, explain what you are doing with it, include a copy of the artwork and you should have a quick affirmative reply.

Do it without asking and you may receive a less-than-friendly "cease and desist" letter from their attorney.

Thanks Matt.I did just that.