Tacoma Trail Teams Badge Concept

UPDATE 9/25/15:

After weighing how little time I have to devote to this (and the gray-ness of the legality of selling them) I have decided to "open source" the files I have created.

Hopefully this gift of my work will restore any harm to my reputation I've done by prolonging something in such high-demand

Here is a Dropbox link to all the files I have:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zerwp55x29w14g2/AADXkyheXgn5xvLMoknlQsiEa?dl=0

(you will find Autodesk Inventor compatible CAD files and a 3D print ready .STL file)

In the prototypes I posted pictures of (the silver-ish badge), I used Shapeways to print the emblem. You can find tons of information on their website, but basically they are my favorite 3D printing service bureau that I've used yet. Even if you dont have any experience with rapid prototyping you can download the .STL file from the Dropbox folder, upload it to Shapeways, and order your part for very cheap and have it in a week.



As a caution to anyone that would be thinking about selling these, I figured I'd post the info I got from 2 different attorneys I consulted:

"Trademarks, copyrights, etc. encompass a lot more than what’s registered with the USPTO. Even if your design is different from Toyota’s, they still have a legal claim if your product would likely cause consumer confusion as to the source or origin of the goods. That’s straight from the Lanham Act in the United States Code – 15 U.S.C. §§ 1114 and 1125. Your design uses Toyota’s name, uses the Tacoma’s grill pattern, uses a phrase which Toyota uses for other models, and uses the same color. I don’t think it would be too difficult for Toyota to prove that it could cause some confusion as to its origin. If I had just seen your design on your car, without any context or explanation, I would have assumed it was from Toyota."


"... but my initial reaction to his email without knowing more or doing research is that I would guess that the emblem design would be covered by copyright law. Just because something is covered by copyright law does not mean it would be found in copyright databases. My understanding is that to be entitled to copyright protection, something does not have to be registered. Therefore, the fact that he did not find it in his search of the databases would not necessarily mean anything. I would think that the emblem would be covered by copyright law because a work is under copyright protection the moment it is created and fixed in a tangible form. Therefore, if your friend went forward, he might subject himself to liability for copyright infringement."


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I have always liked the Trail Teams edition FJ's, and especially the emblem on the tailgate.



So I started working on a little project to potentially 3D print, if its feasible to produce a low volume of them at an acceptable quality, I could begin selling them if there is enough interest...

[WORKING RENDER]

I've sized the badges to match the original FJ badges: 3.0"x1.25"







Some have asked if its possible to do pre-2012 2nd gen style badges, or have the silhouette show accessories, etc and the answer is yes and not much additional work is required. But as for now I'm still trying to figure out if its going to work with this production process. If you are interested in trying it yourself, I am willing to share the CAD file just send a PM.

UPDATE 2/26/15:
I've finalized the design file and attempted to print the first prototype on a Makerbot Replicator 2x, the quality was rather poor on a badge of this size. I'm going to tweak a few settings and try it again, then pursue other options. I have a friend locally with another type of machine, and then our local UPS store offers printing services as well.

As far as finishing, I am going to print these in a black ABS plastic, then base coat with a solvent based black rattle can. I'm still trying to determine the best way to apply the color to the top surface, suggestions will be appreciated!I'm thinking get a blank stamp pad and saturate with acrylic paint, and press the top surface of the badge into it.

 

would there be TEAMS under TRAIL. i would like one

 

Oh yes, a work in progress, that's a ~40% render. I'll update the final version.

 

i always loved the badge, I would def be a customer.

 

I'm guessing the remaining 60% will come with the driver's side wheel, too?

 

Add a grill and be reasonably priced, and count me in.

 

done.

 

What will the final dimensions be and price?

 

The FJ Trail Teams badge measures roughly 3"x1 1/4". Pricing I have no idea. They may not come out right at all, if that's the case I'd probably upload the CAD file if anyone wants to try to print one themselves.

 

What if you have tacoma where the fj cruiser wording is at? Looks more like the original tail team badge.

 

you read my mind...

 

I would definitely be a customer. The badge looks really sweet!

 

Coming along very nicely. Good vector work on the headlight/foglight/grille silhouettes.

 

Looks good

 

hell yeah id be interested in one of these.

 

What exactly is a trail team?

 

I'd guess the collective group of users on this thread that would like one of these badges

 

Thats awesome, would buy.

 

Special edition FJ that came out every year:
http://www.yotatech.com/f135/trail-team-special-edition-fj-128535/