Tobacco card (and the like) rights...quick question and a wish

[Archive]

Posted By: Shawn Chambers

Hey guys,

Just always wondered if anyone owns the official rights to reproduce any of the T205, 206s, Zeenuts etc...

Obviously, there are tons of reprints out there for many vintage sets, but I am mainly wondering about the rights to reproduce the images in book form.

I would love to own a book similar to "Topps the Complete Picture", only one that would have all cards pictured from as many pre WWI and some post WWI sets as possible (T210s, Zeenuts, Ramly, etc.).

Sure, you can view a lot of them online, but there is something more tactile and satisfying about a large book sitting in your lap that you can leaf through over and over again.

Has anyone attempted anything like this (full color, glossy stock?), or do legal issues make it impossible. Does a book remotely like this already exist??

Just wondering and thanks in advance for your thoughts,

Shawn

[Archive]

Posted By: Anthony Nex

The Slocum book has a lot of them pictured.

edited to add Amazon link.

It's out of print but you can often find it on ebay, same format and publisher as the Topps book.

http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Baseball-Card-Gln-1886/dp/0517688182/ref=sr_1_1/105-1156876-6246807?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1183431583&sr=8-1

[Archive]

Posted By: Trae R.

When I was producing the T206 backs reprint set found here:
http://www.t206.org/products.php

Mr. (GREAT!) Frank Wakefield told me the following:
"My understanding is that as for the brand backs, they would all be in the public domain at this time, and you should be clear of any copyright infringement.

I understand that is what you "wanted" to hear, but I believe it true nonetheless. The American Tobacco Company was formed by James B. Duke. This company bought up lots of little tobacco companies. The Supreme Court ordered dissolution of Duke's tobacco trust in a 1911 court decision. And that was the end of these little companies. Those brands haven't been marketed for years.

So I truly think you're clear on that."

I hope this is of some help.