Quote:
Originally Posted by glchen
The other issue with Helmar cards, and the creator can correct me if I'm wrong, is that I don't believe these have been properly licensed. For example, in order to issue Babe Ruth cards, you need to have a license from the estate of Ruth's family, which is one of the reasons that recent Panini cards do not have Ruth in their set because they could not obtain the licenses. Without the proper licenses, it is doubtful that the major TPG's would holder these cards, which would put a severe crimp in their future appreciation potential.
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This is one of my big questions on this. They do use MLB logos in the drawings and other licensed images. I know this is big news recently as MLB and NFL have really cracked down on unlicensed use of intellectual properties. With Leaf having to issue airbrushed cards, as the rights are specific to Topps and Topps losing the rights to NFL Properties to Panini after this year. Any violation can result in a massive swat from their legal teams.
With the new Helmar Mag drawing more attention to their product, it seems like a very short time until the big legal dogs come knocking. Either the Estates, MLB Players Alumni Association, Topps or MLB Properties. You can bet if any one of those sniffs a dollar to be made, they will be there.