Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris

Friday, November 21st, 2014 5:41PM CST

Categories: Toy News, Store News
Posted by: Seibertron Views: 55,206

Topic Options: View Discussion · Sign in or Join to reply

BigBadToyStore.com wrote:Hi - We wanted to update you about a new development in regards to your preorder of the Transformers Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust figure from Takara. We were just contacted by a law firm on behalf of Marlboro & Phillip Morris USA. They informed us that the MP-23 Exhaust figure infringes on their trademark and trade dress for products marketed and sold in the USA.

The mark in question is generally shaped like this:

| |
|/\|

This mark is found on the hood/roof of the MP-23 car in red, and also in smaller green shapes on the left and right fenders. They are concerned because these marks cannot be used on products that could be intended for children as dictated by the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco_Ma ... _Agreement).

We must comply with the requests they have made in order to avoid legal action with Phillip Morris. We have removed the MP-23 listing from our website. Your preorders have been transferred to a generic unpublished listing in case the product is changed or modified before release and would no longer be infringing. If the product is not changed, we will cancel all preorders and we will not be able to sell this product.

We apologize for the trouble on this item.

Thanks!
Joel Boblit
President
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com

Join our discussion about this figure by clicking here!

Credit(s): BigBadToyStore.com

News Search

Got Transformers News? Let us know here!

Most Recent Transformers News

Leaked Gameplay Footage of Transformers Reactivate

Posted 2 days ago

Transformers #15, Hot Wheels Optimus Prime, SS Swoop, SDCC Death's Head + more @ Seibertron Store

Posted 3 days ago

Pre-order Links for all New Age of the Prime Transformers Toys and Sonic X Over Set

Posted 4 days ago

First Look at Optimus Prime Cab solo Release in 2025 Hot Wheels Mainline

Posted 5 days ago

Official Images for Age of the Primes and Sonic Crossover Reveals

Posted 8 days ago

Holiday Sale, Sectaurs, SDCC Death's Head, new Transformers and more at the Seibertron Store

Posted 9 days ago

More Images and Reveals from Cybertron Con: Star Convoy, Heatwave, Sky Byte, Prima, Solus and More

Posted 9 days ago

First Look at Extra Kibble that comes with AOTP Silverbolt to make Superion Frame and More

Posted 9 days ago

Click here to post your comment about this news story!

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623669)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on November 21st, 2014 @ 5:50pm CST

Wow, their lawyers are smart cookies. :shock:

So let me get this straight: TakaraTomy is allowed to sell Exhaust as is in Japan, but importing him into the US is a no-no?

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623670)
Posted by megatronus on November 21st, 2014 @ 5:52pm CST

That Tom & Jerry picture is priceless.

This is truly a bummer. I can see how PM might think these are for kids, but I hope they find these are adult collectibles, and cease their legal action against MP23 (or rather, the retailers carrying it).

Do we know if anything's happening on Takara's end? They've been careful to obtain official vehicle licenses, and I'm surprised they didn't clear MP23 with PM before proceeding (I know it's a different situation, but still). Maybe they thought they were in a safe(-ish) grey area?

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623671)
Posted by Sabrblade on November 21st, 2014 @ 5:53pm CST

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Wow, their lawyers are smart cookies.

So let me get this straight: TakaraTomy is allowed to sell Exhaust as is in Japan, but importing him into the US is a no-no?

Well, remember when retailers had difficulty being allowed to legally sell MP-5 Megatron without first having to put an orange tip on it?

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623672)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:01pm CST

Sabrblade wrote:
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Wow, their lawyers are smart cookies.

So let me get this straight: TakaraTomy is allowed to sell Exhaust as is in Japan, but importing him into the US is a no-no?
Well, remember when retailers had difficulty being allowed to legally sell MP-5 Megatron without first having to put an orange tip on it?

It's that all over again... And only because Japanese law is more relaxed than US law :BANG_HEAD:

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623674)
Posted by fenrir72 on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:03pm CST

Good f#ckn' LORD!

Do you now need an ID to buy one? Sounds like MP-05 again only worst!

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623675)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:05pm CST

This country, Can I buy it from HLJ?

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623676)
Posted by Cyberpath on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:06pm CST

Meh. As of writing this, you can still preorder him from Japan for nearly half the price.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623679)
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:12pm CST

Too bad, there aren't enough MP Decepticons.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623680)
Posted by Gallifreyan Autobot on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:14pm CST

Good God can US laws get any dumber. I swear that the Us hates anything that either looks real (any gun mode Megatron) or has tobacco product placement (MP23 Exaust) cause apparently that is a no no in the USA >:oP

(shakes head)

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623681)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:23pm CST

Gotta love lawyers

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623682)
Posted by Robogeek1973 on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:25pm CST

I'm so freaking glad I buy my MP cars through HLJ.

Still....this sucks for anyone buying these from a U.S seller, because you just know that if they're getting ahold of one store, the others are soon to follow.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623684)
Posted by Burn on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:32pm CST

fenrir72 wrote:Good f#ckn' LORD!

Do you now need an ID to buy one? Sounds like MP-05 again only worst!

Worse? Are you required by law to get a license and a lockable cabinet to keep Exhaust like I'm suppose to with Megatron? :wink:

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623686)
Posted by Mr_Autobot411 on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:36pm CST

hmm wonder if that will affect canada too.

i didnt have issues with mp-05, other then he sucks!

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623689)
Posted by Bumblevivisector on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:53pm CST

All I can think of is when TV Funhouse gave us the greatest Pokemon parody EVER!

(Linked rather than embedded, cuz it's arguably NSFW)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDHVsyA9zBw

And as always happens with this sort of thing, an attempt to protect children from something that only adults really give a crap about misfires (thought in this case it's rather indirect), making a toy potentially harder to obtain, thereby elevating it to holy grail status in the minds of hundreds of adult collectors. I've never watched so much as a minute of Breaking Bad, but as of now, I'm actively seeking out that one Walter White figure so that when I finally get my MP Smokey, he'll have a bag of toy meth ready to go in his driver's seat.

Oh, and TRU's ReAction Figure section damn well better bring out the gimp!

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623691)
Posted by MGrotusque on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:05pm CST

I'm kinda surprised this got on anybodies radar. It's such as obscure product for these guys to be paying attention to. With the fact that you can buy beer and cigarettes at any corner store everywhere in the states. Here in Canada they have to keep cigarettes behind a curtain or in a cabinet so that minors can't see them.

I don't know. I do know that i had some dough set aside at bbts for this guy.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623693)
Posted by Rated X on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:09pm CST

The US legal system is such BS...

Chimungmung to the rescue !

http://chimungmung.com/product_info.php ... ts_id=2044

It's sad how broke people will come out of the woodworks to make a quick buck on a lawsuit. It's proof that their not making that much money if they found the time to attack BBTS over a Japanese import. Hopefully recreational Canibus gets legalized nationwide within 5 years and bankrupts the tobacco industry.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623694)
Posted by Stormrider on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:10pm CST

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Wow, their lawyers are smart cookies.

So let me get this straight: TakaraTomy is allowed to sell Exhaust as is in Japan, but importing him into the US is a no-no?

Lol. This figure, again, is going to become the elusive figure that fans are going to want now.

megatronus wrote:Do we know if anything's happening on Takara's end? They've been careful to obtain official vehicle licenses, and I'm surprised they didn't clear MP23 with PM before proceeding (I know it's a different situation, but still). Maybe they thought they were in a safe(-ish) grey area?

Takara stepped in some shit with this one. I think Takara felt they could get away with the paint scheme without looping in Marlboro since the paint job is not an exact match. (The red paint color is off and "V" angle is rounded, not pointed). I wouldn't be surprised if Marlboro is looking its rights outside the U.S.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623695)
Posted by MGrotusque on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:12pm CST

Maybe a decal would make the product perceived less as an official product than a painted on logo?

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623697)
Posted by ishigoto on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:16pm CST

But...MPs aren't for children! What kid pays $100+ for an 80's transformer???

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623700)
Posted by Skyfire77 on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:42pm CST

Cyberpath wrote:Meh. As of writing this, you can still preorder him from Japan for nearly half the price.

Not anymore. HLJ has an Order Stop on Exhaust.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623704)
Posted by Ultra Markus on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:52pm CST

some online retailers will still sell them or someone will get around this
i had no problem getting mp-5 but i think i ordered from japan and had no customs issues and no orange tip
its probably just a scare tactic

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623705)
Posted by Robogeek1973 on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:57pm CST

Stormrider wrote:Takara stepped in some **** with this one. I think Takara felt they could get away with the paint scheme without looping in Marlboro since the paint job is not an exact match. (The red paint color is off and "V" angle is rounded, not pointed). I wouldn't be surprised if Marlboro is looking its rights outside the U.S.

I've got a feeling (and hope) that TakTom made sure they'd be safe putting this guy out before announcing him. This is meant for a Japanese audience, so they really couldn't care less about what the U.S laws think of it.

I'm sure they got all of their ducks in a row licensing wise.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623707)
Posted by Ultra Markus on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:58pm CST

tfsource, ages 3 and up, and kapow toys still have them on pre-order!

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623722)
Posted by Peridot on November 21st, 2014 @ 8:36pm CST

megatronus wrote:Uh Oh... Exhaust is having some legal issues.

BBTS wrote:Hi - We wanted to update you about a new development in regards to your preorder of the Transformers Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust figure with coin from Takara. We were just contacted by a law firm on behalf of Marlboro & Phillip Morris USA. They informed us that the MP-23 Exhaust figure infringes on their trademark and trade dress for products marketed and sold in the USA.

The mark in question is generally shaped like this:

| |
|/\|

This mark is found on the hood/roof of the MP-23 car in red, and also in smaller green shapes on the left and right fenders. They are concerned because these marks cannot be used on products that could be intended for children as dictated by the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco_Ma ... _Agreement).

We must comply with the requests they have made in order to avoid legal action with Phillip Morris. We have removed the MP-23 listing from our website. Your preorders have been transferred to a generic unpublished listing in case the product is changed or modified before release and would no longer be infringing. If the product is not changed, we will cancel all preorders and we will not be able to sell this product.

We apologize for the trouble on this item.

Thanks!
Joel Boblit
President
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com

B-bu-but smoking is cool! *hacking cough* What cruel corporate executive would deny us the glorious presence of Exhaust in our collections and homes?

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623723)
Posted by MGrotusque on November 21st, 2014 @ 8:37pm CST

I'm having a cigarette and a beer as we speak in protest of this travesty.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623725)
Posted by Burn on November 21st, 2014 @ 8:40pm CST

Robogeek1973 wrote:
Stormrider wrote:Takara stepped in some **** with this one. I think Takara felt they could get away with the paint scheme without looping in Marlboro since the paint job is not an exact match. (The red paint color is off and "V" angle is rounded, not pointed). I wouldn't be surprised if Marlboro is looking its rights outside the U.S.

I've got a feeling (and hope) that TakTom made sure they'd be safe putting this guy out before announcing him. This is meant for a Japanese audience, so they really couldn't care less about what the U.S laws think of it.

I'm sure they got all of their ducks in a row licensing wise.

That right there ... Takara Tomy manufactures for the Japanese market NOT the western market. As such they don't have to abide by rules which affect the western market.

If someone in the western market buys their products and subsequently violates local rules, that's the buyers problem, NOT Takara Tomy.

For example, I'm expected to have a gun license AND lockable gun cabinet to import and own MP Megatron. If I don't and get busted, the onus is on me, NOT Takara Tomy.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623727)
Posted by Robogeek1973 on November 21st, 2014 @ 8:42pm CST

Burn wrote:
For example, I'm expected to have a gun license AND lockable gun cabinet to import and own MP Megatron. If I don't and get busted, the onus is on me, NOT Takara Tomy.

Seriously?

Wow, I thought you were kidding before. :lol:

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623733)
Posted by Burn on November 21st, 2014 @ 8:59pm CST

Robogeek1973 wrote:
Burn wrote:
For example, I'm expected to have a gun license AND lockable gun cabinet to import and own MP Megatron. If I don't and get busted, the onus is on me, NOT Takara Tomy.

Seriously?

Wow, I thought you were kidding before.

Nope. The laws varied state by state.

Western Australia customs actually seized an entire shipment of Megatron when he was first released.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623742)
Posted by Madeus Prime on November 21st, 2014 @ 9:30pm CST

Well, well, I'm actually sad about this. I always loved the design of this guy's head sculpt, plus I loved the name Exhaust for a Decepticon.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623743)
Posted by fenrir72 on November 21st, 2014 @ 9:30pm CST

Burn wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:Good f#ckn' LORD!

Do you now need an ID to buy one? Sounds like MP-05 again only worst!

Worse? Are you required by law to get a license and a lockable cabinet to keep Exhaust like I'm suppose to with Megatron?

Worst because it's just an add/sponsorship placement. :BANG_HEAD:

At least with Megs, some id10t can use it as a pretend weapon and get themselves killed. This one is for the iconic orange pattern of a cigarette brand. Jeez1 Good thing I'm assigned in SEA, no prob here just yet.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623745)
Posted by fenrir72 on November 21st, 2014 @ 9:36pm CST

MGrotusque wrote:Maybe a decal would make the product perceived less as an official product than a painted on logo?

Take a look at this to add insult to injury......officially franchise decal, take a gander at Malboro

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623751)
Posted by shajaki on November 21st, 2014 @ 9:57pm CST

upon hearing this news, i went to chimung and bought a preorder. whats funny is, HE emailed me afterwords. though i think his english isnt great.

chimungmung wrote:The comments for your order are

hi,

may i have question , did u see any forum or fb pre order mp23 in my shop ? i received few pre order this hour ~ so amazing..

please reply
tony

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623756)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on November 21st, 2014 @ 10:22pm CST

fenrir72 wrote:
MGrotusque wrote:Maybe a decal would make the product perceived less as an official product than a painted on logo?

Take a look at this to add insult to injury......officially franchise decal, take a gander at Malboro

BBTS also pulled these from its website and someone on FB got the same kind of letter regarding this sticker set.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623761)
Posted by It Is Him on November 21st, 2014 @ 10:40pm CST

Dude, this threat of a lawsuit only makes me want this toy more! :HEADHURTS:

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623770)
Posted by megatronus on November 21st, 2014 @ 11:41pm CST

Skyfire77 wrote:
Cyberpath wrote:Meh. As of writing this, you can still preorder him from Japan for nearly half the price.

Not anymore. HLJ has an Order Stop on Exhaust.

Just a couple hours ago, the price was 5600 yen. Now it's 6500... looks like HLJ capitalized on the situation.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623775)
Posted by BERSEKAEL on November 22nd, 2014 @ 12:05am CST

Is everything about $$$... first time I hear a tobacco company to care about health...

and what about the Legion version? more money to law sue a MP

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623776)
Posted by Sabrblade on November 22nd, 2014 @ 12:09am CST

BERSEKAEL wrote:Is everything about $$$... first time I hear a tobacco company to care about health...

and what about the Legion version? more money to law sue a MP

Its design wasn't close enough to Marlboro's design to catch anyone's attention.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623782)
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on November 22nd, 2014 @ 12:47am CST

This is interesting. One could think this goes back to the old debate of Toy vs. Collectible.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623785)
Posted by Tsutsukakushi on November 22nd, 2014 @ 1:06am CST

This problem is just for the sellers.

As a buyer, you have options to buy from Overseas sellers.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623793)
Posted by fenrir72 on November 22nd, 2014 @ 3:19am CST

LOST Cybertronian wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:
MGrotusque wrote:Maybe a decal would make the product perceived less as an official product than a painted on logo?

Take a look at this to add insult to injury......officially franchise decal, take a gander at Malboro

BBTS also pulled these from its website and someone on FB got the same kind of letter regarding this sticker set.

WTF?

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623794)
Posted by Wolfguard on November 22nd, 2014 @ 3:34am CST

How about... :-?

...change the colors?

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623795)
Posted by Cyberpath on November 22nd, 2014 @ 3:39am CST

megatronus wrote:Just a couple hours ago, the price was 5600 yen. Now it's 6500... looks like HLJ capitalized on the situation.

Nah, it shows only the retail price when an item is sold-out. If it'll open for orders again (usually around the release day when HLJ gets its stock) it will go back to the preorder price.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623801)
Posted by fenrir72 on November 22nd, 2014 @ 4:27am CST

Wolfguard wrote:How about... ...change the colors?

Toy isn't going to change the colors in the account of the American market.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623805)
Posted by durroth on November 22nd, 2014 @ 4:56am CST

Wow.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623813)
Posted by Robogeek1973 on November 22nd, 2014 @ 6:31am CST

Burn wrote:
Robogeek1973 wrote:
Burn wrote:
For example, I'm expected to have a gun license AND lockable gun cabinet to import and own MP Megatron. If I don't and get busted, the onus is on me, NOT Takara Tomy.

Seriously?

Wow, I thought you were kidding before.

Nope. The laws varied state by state.

Western Australia customs actually seized an entire shipment of Megatron when he was first released.

Now that you mention it I DO remember the clusterf*ck that was MP Megatron. I'd ordered mine from Captured Prey because he wasn't putting the orange plug on Megs.

Good times.....good times.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623819)
Posted by Yotsuyasan on November 22nd, 2014 @ 7:31am CST

Yes this sucks for anyone wanting this toy, but it is using a design intentionally made to invoke the pattern used by Marlboro. If Philip Morris does indeed own a copyright on that pattern, they are well within their right to protect it.

It'd be like if this figure had been made without Target's permission:

Pretty sure Target would have been pissed, and tried to prevent the sale of it.

And since this is a tobacco brand being slapped on a toy, I can see why Philip Morris would be extra worried about public perception and wish to take action. (Yes, we all know this is an adult collectible. But to the general public, it is just a toy, and toy = "For kids!") I think this more than anything is why we are seeing this happen. After all, I never heard of Philip Morris going after The X-Files or any other show that has used Morley cigarettes.

But, even though it will be a pain in the arse, since there are likely no legal problems for this toy in Japan, and since I doubt various customs officials will be less worried about this then they were MP-5, I am sure anyone who really wants one will be able to eventually snag one through a less prominent importer or a private seller.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623830)
Posted by ScottyP on November 22nd, 2014 @ 10:14am CST

BigBadToyStore.com wrote:
This mark is found on the hood/roof of the MP-23 car in red, and also in smaller green shapes on the left and right fenders. They are concerned because these marks cannot be used on products that could be intended for children as dictated by the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco_Ma ... _Agreement).

MSA strikes again. Philip Morris and RJR are fractions of what they used to be due to that settlement, and will do whatever is necessary to cover themselves from potentially violating the terms of it. Crazy the impact that's still felt from that, even crazier that it reached the world of import Masterpiece Transformers!

Gonna go pour out another one for my homie Joe Camel. RIP.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623834)
Posted by Dead Metal on November 22nd, 2014 @ 10:51am CST

They aren't doing this to "be evil" or to get money out of Takara, they are doing this to prevent fingers being pointed at them. They hold the trademark rights to those patterns, which are associated with their brand (the very reason they're on the toy in the first place), so if someone buys the toy via US means and sees the pattern, they can actually sue Phillip Morris for plastering it on "children's toys".
All they're trying to do is protect themselves from some idiot suing them for something they have no control over.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623848)
Posted by Skyfire77 on November 22nd, 2014 @ 11:59am CST

LOST Cybertronian wrote:BBTS also pulled these from its website and someone on FB got the same kind of letter regarding this sticker set.

Well, I'm glad I canceled my order when Reprolabels released their set.

Dead Metal wrote:They aren't doing this to "be evil" or to get money out of Takara, they are doing this to prevent fingers being pointed at them. They hold the trademark rights to those patterns, which are associated with their brand (the very reason they're on the toy in the first place), so if someone buys the toy via US means and sees the pattern, they can actually sue Phillip Morris for plastering it on "children's toys".
All they're trying to do is protect themselves from some idiot suing them for something they have no control over.

That's my read on the situation too.

Re: Problem with Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust and Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris (1623852)
Posted by spiderbob007 on November 22nd, 2014 @ 12:22pm CST

I'm guessing that Robot Kingdom would be more than willing to sell me Exhaust.

Click here to view additional comments about this topic at the Energon Pub Forums ...