Battle Over Model War Planes
Usually I don't pay much attention to news about defense contractors, or children building model planes. But I saw this on the news, and couldn't even believe it.
The defense contractors want royalties from model planes.
1. It never occured to me that you could just make model kits without the original's permission.
2. Has model making grown to such great heights that it's worth it to push this issue?
There are thousands of model enthusiasts who have a stake in this war over warplanes. As the battle lines have been drawn between two of this nation's favorite pastimes — making models — and making money.
Really?? Model making is one of the nation's favorite pastimes??
1 Comments:
At September 29, 2005 10:45 PM,
Kenny said…
This doesn't make sense. Defense contractors are not in the business of licensing and merchandising their designs, unlike, say, a studio making a TV show or movie. Thus, they're not losing revenue when a model company makes the models because it's not their business anyway.
On the other hand, auto manufacturers have to consent and get paid for models to be based on their cars, I think, so perhaps it would make sense that the contractors don't want others profiting off their designs. The model company guy has a point, too, although it's more a point that feels right than one that has any legal basis.
I like the kid's matter-of-fact quote, "No, it's about money."
Post a Comment
<< Home