Is it possible for Pcgs to get a copywrite on "Deep Cameo"?

stephunter

Maybe an attorney can correct me with the proper term as I don't think its actually copywrite. This would keep the like of other third party grading companies from using the designation on coins that do not fit the description.

Example on Ebay

This hurts the novice to our hobby.

Russ

It would be trademark rather than copyright, and the answer is no.

Russ, NCNE

eyoung429

Yup.....Russ already owns that!!!!

Cameonut

Not likely - the term "Deep Cameo" was in use long before PCGS began the designation on their holders.

It is very difficult (maybe impossible) to trademark or servicemark a phrase that has been in common use.


And by the way - PCI Deep Cameo? What a joke.....

segoja

Now wait a minute on PCI. Those are some of the most knock out balck and white monsters you've ever seen

The good news is when they really do have something, it still gets Deep Cameo and no premium. There are some steals in PCI holders if you buy the coin. Dealers get the breask there and the retail guys get market grading or tougher.

Russ

Every now and then, (okay, very rarely), a winner can show up in a PCI gold label holder:



Russ, NCNE

Fletcher

It depends on what they want to use it for. If they are going to sell "Deep Cameo" t-shirts, sure they can get a trademark for it. However, as it applies to describing coins, the term is generic and thereby not able to be trademarked.

morgannut2

Flecther and Russ have it-- a trademark won't help PCGS much if they can't use it for coins.

Coindexter

Designations asside, isn't it copyright infringement to list PCGS values for a non PCGS coin? How about copying a section of the PCGS price guide and showing it in the auction?

Coindexter

BTW, Russ, how big of a rip did you score that SMS half at?

morgannut2

I'd think it's infringement to even use PCGS "Price Guide" values on PCGS coins, unless the seller is a Collector Club paying member. I notice some auction houses are reluctant to use the attributed values.

Russ

<< <i>BTW, Russ, how big of a rip did you score that SMS half at? >>



Unfortunately, I wasn't the only one who spotted it when it was listed so it got bid up to more than I could pay. It later ended up in a PCGS MS67DCAM holder at a value of about double what it brought so the buyer did exceedingly well.

Russ, NCNE

Conder101

<< <i>Designations asside, isn't it copyright infringement to list PCGS values for a non PCGS coin? >>


No. especially if you list the source of the information.



<< <i>How about copying a section of the PCGS price guide and showing it in the auction? >>


Yes. By copying a section you are not only copying the information, but also the format, layout, font style etc. Doing that without permission should be a copyright violation.