Help and advice needed for new company

[kadeshiseraph]

I'm in the process of starting up as a sole trader, building customised Computers, through a website.

I've several questions that I'm hoping you guys can help me with.

I'm planning to have an online form on the website, with options to pick the components. I want to have pictures of Intel and AMD, and ATI and Nvidia logos, as well as pictures of all of the available computer cases.

I've no idea about copyright/trademark law. Will I have to ask permission to use these? If so, how do I go about doing that? I have searched and searched and not found any suitable information or an application on any company website.

I would prefer to use stock images of the cases, since I don't have the capital to buy one of every case and photograph it myself.

Thanks in advance. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
If I've left anything out or if you need more information please ask.

 

[CSBob]

If you use images taken directly from the manufacturers' own sites then I can't honestly see that they would have a problem with it as you are, after all, endorsing & selling their products. If any do have a problem with it, I would stop using their products in the build. Their loss.

 

[kadeshiseraph]

So you think I'm OK because they'll consider it more business for them? Thanks for the quick reply

 

[CSBob]

Look at it this way: they're in the business of selling product and you are essentially intending to help them do so by providing yet another outlet. If Intel refused to allow you to use their logos or product images, you may very well decide to focus entirely on AMD processors! It's not in Intel's interests to curtail sales of their products by jealously guarding IP rights in this instance.

You would of course carry a disclaimer along the lines of "All trademarks, logos and product images are the property of their respective owners."

 

[kadeshiseraph]

Fantastic. Good to know, thanks!

 

[oldeagleeye]

Where do you plan on buying them componants. If you have a trade account you will be able to use the logo's. This applies to all componants including cases. If your buying retail you might have a real problem.

One word of warning too. Don't give up the day job. While customised used to attract a premium you can build your own from a lot of tgop names in the gaming business which used to enjoy this trade in particular and even Allien can be custombuilt on line.

Rob

 

[kadeshiseraph]

I had planned to use wherever I can find cheapest. Ebuyer, Novatech, etc.
How would I go about getting a trade account?

I won't give up the day job - it's just to see if one day it can be my main job!

 

[CSBob]

Any wholesaler should allow you to open a trade account if you write to them (on business letterheaded paper) and simply request one. They might not always offer credit terms to a new startup, however, so be prepared to have to pay up front to begin with.

 

[kadeshiseraph]

Don't suppose you can suggest a good one? I've seen lists of hundreds. How would I choose?