Bill Ray and John DeLuna answer listener questions on Transformers IP. Can third-party Tarns wear a Decepticon face? How do ToyHax repro labels get away with Autobot symbols? And how does the Transformers Wiki use Hasbro’s material?
The RFC Mini-cast – 069: Intellectual Property and Transformers 101
Former IP attorney Bill Ray gives John DeLuna a 101 on intellectual property and Transformers. Patents, copyright and trademark explain why third-party toys skip Autobot symbols and official names, and what could make Hasbro crack down.
The RFC Mini-cast – 067: Bill Ray and the evolution of the Transformers fandom
Author Bill Ray joins John DeLuna for his TF Radio debut. They trace collecting from the Marvel comic and G1 Gears to Beast Wars, early online fandom and life after BotCon, then dig into what the fall of Toys R Us means for collector exclusives.