Can You Violate A Patent With 16 Characters On An M&M?

from the challenges... dept

It’s that holiday time and the makers of M&M candies have decided to let you print your own message on an M&M — limited to 8 characters each on two lines (which seems pretty tight for the size of an M&M anyway). It’s not surprising that there’s a ton of legalese added about what you can and cannot print in your 16 characters, but as LawMeme points out, how exactly would someone go about violating a patent in those 16 characters?


Rate this comment as insightful
Rate this comment as funny
You have rated this comment as insightful
You have rated this comment as funny
Flag this comment as abusive/trolling/spam
You have flagged this comment
The first word has already been claimed
The last word has already been claimed
Insightful Lightbulb icon Funny Laughing icon Abusive/trolling/spam Flag icon Insightful badge Lightbulb icon Funny badge Laughing icon Comments icon

Comments on “Can You Violate A Patent With 16 Characters On An M&M?”

Subscribe: RSS Leave a comment
3 Comments
Anonymous Coward says:

No Subject Given

So funny, I was just there and was really surprised at the “allowed / not allowed” instructions (and realized they must have people reviewing the submissions).

I suppose they don’t want to be held as liable, but I can go to any print shop in the country (or use any laser printer in the world) and violate as many trademarks as I like…. without the print shop or printer mfg (or paper maker) being held liable.

Weird

shawn (user link) says:

No Subject Given

I think more than worrying about trademark infringement, they’re more worried about commercial use of this. They say that it’s not for commercial use in the terms and whatnot, but an easier way to enforce it is to just disallow anything that looks like it might be trademarked or copywrited. If I were them, I wouldn’t want random people or companies using these M&M’s to promote their own business.

Add Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a Techdirt Account? Sign in now. Want one? Register here

Comment Options:

Make this the or (get credits or sign in to see balance) what's this?

What's this?

Techdirt community members with Techdirt Credits can spotlight a comment as either the "First Word" or "Last Word" on a particular comment thread. Credits can be purchased at the Techdirt Insider Shop »

Follow Techdirt

Techdirt Daily Newsletter

Techdirt Deals
Techdirt Insider Discord
The latest chatter on the Techdirt Insider Discord channel...
Loading...