So every single product, i.e., movie, CD, DVD, tape, video game, etc., that is produced with Dolby Surround has to be "approved"? I don't see how that would be logistically feasible.

That would be like saying that after Klipsch and all the others were approved to build and sell "THX" certified speaker systems, that each individual system would have to be certified. That would impossible.

J--

I belive that Dolby certifes certain places that produce the soundtracks, and then anything that comes from those places is crertified. But they must follow certain guidelines when producing audio, and I'm sure Dolby checks up on them every once in a while to make sure they are staying compliant.

I think once you are certified you are free to use the logo for anything you produce.

Well, Jason, evidently you've seen the stone. None of the rest of us have. The truth of the matter is that no one of us here has the definitive answer. All we're doing is discussing the issue and trying to get that definitive answer in writing from either of the two companies in question. That's all we're doing.

J--

Dobly, for example, provides information on its web site as it pertains to the usage of the Dolby trademark, tradename.



J--

I will add one point though. While it's true that there is no restriction on the letters "D", "V", and "D", and that you are free to put those letters on anything you wish by creating your own logo, the shape of the official logo is regulated and probably copyrighted and trademarked. If you produce your own version of the logo that is similar to the official one then you are copying the logo even if you don't hit it on exactly. If a complaint is filed against you, the trademark office will investigate. Part of the investigation will probably involve having random samples of people look at your trademark, with or without also seeing the official one. If a substantial number of that sample identify your logo with official item/service it represents then you're in trouble. This is a case of it being against your best interests to make your logo as close to the original as possible.

So here's my advice: come up with your own snazzy logo that doesn't even try to come close the official one. Those who would recognize the official logo probably wouldn't be impressed by you having it on your package. Those who would be impressed by a logo probably wouldn't know whether it was official or not.

Here's the final answer from the Source. I received the following reply to an e-mail addressed to the DVD FLLC regarding the use of the DVD logo:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear Mr. Gladwell,

Thank you for your e-mail of February 18, 2004.
We appreciate your information.

Basically, the DVD Logo may be used by our Licensees on their DVD
products which have passed Verification and they must observe strict
guidelines as to how the Logo is used.

We do not allow any labeling softwares to use the DVD Logo. Using the
DVD Logo without our authorization would cause the infringement of
our trademark rights as well as copyright.


Best regards

Atsuko SHIMIZU (Ms)
Deputy Managar, Trademarks
E-mail: [removed]

DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation
Website: www.dvdfllc.co.jp
Fax: [removed]

Sounds to me like there is a CD labeling program that is about to be hit with a Big lawsuit :)