Copying Replica blanks

If you give permission that's between you two.

If someone is doing it without permission then it's breaking the law.


If they are a Major copycat and I know or find out about it, then I'll never spend my money with them.

 

I've never thought it was right to copy something unless you have consent. I knew of one taxidermist that made molds of deer shoulder mount mannikins, and poured them, and even though he wasn't selling them I think that is wrong too.

Damn Bryan, "copacetic?" Even though I understood it from the context I had to look that one up! Should I start calling you professor?

 

I know a local taxidermist who molds everything he gets and pumps them out like crazy.i always assumed it was illegal but he says nah everyone does it.

 

If he was mounting customer work on them, he was selling them.

 

NEVER without permission. Illegal also. Some of us on here have won a Class Action Lawsuit against a VERY large well know Company that cost them dearly. I am surprised that stupid people still do it when it could cost them their business. It is so unfair and unethical to shortcut someones hard work in casting a fish. Besides, I know my molds like my own Grandchildren and they are easy to spot. If the cast fits in My mold, you will be hearing from my lawyer and it will cost you. There are PIRATES right now advertising "selling" Fish replicas that folks come on here and recommend that have copied me and Bryans molds as well as Mckenzies. You know who you are and your days are numbered. My attorney is getting ready to file. Don't ask me to out them as I can't and won't at this time.

 

Is Dan C at it again?

 

I agree.

 

Back when I did game heads I put a drawing and directions for field care on the back of a flyer complete with a diagram for where the cape should be cut off if it's absolutely necessary. (Got tired of people bringing in capes cut to short). I told them not to cut if off and bring in the whole hide if possible.

So I see a flyer from a competitor and guess what? He copied it word for word down to the exact drawings etc. WTF? I mean he could have just changed the wording and drawings just a little.

I did get accused of copying another taxidermist because I put out flyers. He was sure he was the one that started the practice. Seriously? But this guy passionately hated anyone that was a competitor, and would actually make stuff up to make his competitors look bad. He wanted ALL the deer heads in the area. Kind of sad really as he was a very good taxidermist.

 

Racking my brain trying to think who this could be? hahahahahah.....

 

Just ask DAn Chase how much it cost to copy other peoples work ,,, !! Ha

 

I'm teaching myself how to cast my own LMB, and I know that it can be a REAL PITA to do it right. I am doing it simply so I can compete at a higher level and hope to get points for not buying a commercially molded blank. I'm learning the hard way, but my molds will be my molds whenever I figure it all out. At that point, I'm with Ron and others: I will know MY fish. And if I ever saw one being used elsewhere without my consent? GAME ON!

 

Unfortunately, that is what happens. It is an ethics problem that is probably as old as historical taxidermy. Back in the 1980's the NTA and most if not all state affiliates had a "Code of Ethics" many of which addressed copying another's forms, etc. A lot of good that did. My Fish Clones were frequently copied, and I know of at least one by more than one blank maker. All I can say is each time they copy a blank, the fins get that much thicker, and the detail that much more obliterated.

I believe our profession is as ethically corrupt now as when I first started in 1966. Evidently, ethics is not taught in most of the "taxidermy schools." Like enacting gun control in Chicago did not stop the killing, it is a heart issue. Until people's hearts change, it is going to happen. We have to leave the answering for stealing our work to a Higher Authority. Worry about your own coming Judgment Day, and let the thieves worry about theirs. When they say, "Only God can judge me," I answer, "THAT should scare you."

 

Good for you Ron and Bryan. Go get em!
We have major ethics issues in this country.

 

<img src="https://scontent-mia1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14311321_10157367698045612_3615238560633402056_o.jpg">

 

Unless a person can show that they changed at least 25% of the original.

 

Why is it a secret? If they were willing to copy all of mcknzies blanks and sell them they must not care if everyone knows it.

 

not so ...............

**Unless a person can show that they changed at least 25% of the original.**

Just ask the late Dan Chase about that rule of thumb.



Kerby...