Is it ok to replica old casino chips?

[babyfreak84]

Can i use old obsolete chip designs on my labels or would i be breaking the law?

[toad94]

It depends on how closely you want to replicate the old design. With enough changes a nod to an old design can qualify as an "homage" without it being a blatant copy. There are other considerations, like intent (to sell? for private use?). There's an interesting discussion of such topics here:

http://www.chiptalk.net/forum/custom...ity-canon.html

Check the chip gallery, too. Some replicas of other artwork have been done that qualify as an homage and don't threaten any laws or ethical issues. The best example I can think of is using the original Bellagio inlay with people's own names and places. They're obviously not trying to copy Bellagio's design with the intent to fool anybody or cause a monetary loss to Bellagio--they're simply acknowledging a classic design (IMO using their own words and never saying "Bellagio" on the chip is key).

If you have a specific example you want to share, you'll definitely get a thumbs up or down in the court of CT opinion. If nothing else you'll have some feedback to better frame the decision.

[babyfreak84]

im still working on it but i'll post it when im done to get your opinions!

[palmimports]

Originally Posted by babyfreak84

im still working on it but i'll post it when im done to get your opinions!

we got into this awhile ago when someone wanted a starwars set of chips for their grandson. We spent countless hours talking to Lucas Films- and FINALLY their legal staff told us it's Lucas Firm's position NOT to endorse anything gambling related. In other words- NO.

months later- theres a cheap STARWARS poker chip set on the market.

We went through this also with Nascar- they dont condone gaming/gambling.
( and we make chips etc for the CEO)
months later- a nascar ceramic poker chip.

The larger the company- the more each individual knows LESS about whats really going on

Ithink if youre not selling the chips and just want them for yourself- who cares- go for it. The purists will give you grief- but to try and do it he right way- good luck!

[john]

If you dont plan to resell the chips and can find someone happy to make the chips or labels you should be fine. Nobody is going to sue you if they dont know they exist.

[Ragman]

I just had some $500 Benny Binion Horseshoe labels made and put them on some primary Aztar $1s to use as an add-on to my 165-chip set of Horseshoe mold $25 and $100 chips. Makes the set more playable for a 6-8 man tournament. I would have bought some of the real $500's but they're a tad expensive and hardly even available.

[BPTDirector]

I think this may be another one of those "It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission" things as long as you don't plan to sell them and represent them as authentics....

This can of worms has already seen the light of day too many times.

BPT

[ericmalone]

Just print them yourself and do whatever you want. You won't get arrested/sued unless you try to sell them to the wrong person. What exactly are you trying to replicate?

[TBonesPoker]

I've replicated both Foxwoods (changing to Bentwoods) and Horsehoe-Indiana. Haven't done anything with them yet but if I do, I print and cut my own labels so I don't expect the chip police will show up at my door.

[babyfreak84]

im looking at some 60's hilton chips, i really like the look of the chips, I suppose i could change bits of it, but i really dont want to! oh well i'll see what i come up with! maybe inspiration will hit me!