Freedom of Expression? Not Really…
Here are some designs that Cafepress has refused to allow me to sell due to copyright/trademark issues. I don’t blame Cafepress: I blame our whacked out IP laws here in the US, which are still better than those in the UK or EU.
This is one of the my personal favorites. The list displays those killed personally by Che or on his direct orders. There’s even a second image where the list continues that is meant for the back of the shirt. The copyright was won in 2000 by the photographer who took the picture used as part of my design, Alberto Diaz Gutierrez. Gutierrez said “...I am categorically against the exploitation of Che’s image for the promotion of products such as alcohol, or for any purpose that denigrates the reputation of Che.” Listing those killed by Che would definitely fall into the latter category, since Gutierrez is a big fan of the mass-murderer.
No surprise that this design didn’t pass Cafepress muster. The five cuddly figures are copyrighted. Too bad because I thought their names weren’t so cuddly.
I guess the Mickey ears scared off CP. I’m not even responsible for the original photograph; I pulled it off Free Republic back when I used to hang out there prior to 9-11.
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