Seemingly Odd Listings

[Mysterious Benefactor]

Just received some Google alerts to these:

DARK SHADOWS LONG TASSEL NECKLACE

DARK SHADOWS HAUNTED HOUSE PENDANT

They don't seem to be sanctioned DS merchandise. Though if they are, they're something I wouldn't have been paying attention to, so that could be why they're definitely something I've never heard of before this. But it honestly seems more like someone's trying to profit by associating their merchandise with the DS brand. Or am I totally off base?

[dom]

I believe there is a Dark Shadows video game (what video games are called now, I don't know) but I think your suspicions are correct, MB.

[michael c]

Betsy Johnson is a very well known fashion designer who's been around for decades...


but this seems oddly amateurish. I have not heard of any "official" licensing deals between Johnson and the DS trademark holders that would grant her the rights to market goods under the name.

at the same time it's not like these pieces are actually using imagery from the series. it's sort of generic "spooky" charms of bats, lips and "haunted houses". not a pendant with an actual image of "Angelique", "Collinwood", or any of the other DS characters or locations.

it's more a loose interpretation. and "inspired by" collection. but still she's on shaky ground using the DS name to promote them. surprising coming from an industry veteran who surely understands the legalities around branding.

[michael c]

on a strictly aesthetic level they look like cheap, tacky, junk jewelry made in a sweatshop god knows where. 

[michael c]

as an aside Facebook's search technology is really creepy and intrusive...


I am now getting advertisements for this product in my "news feed".

[Mysterious Benefactor]

Apparently there's another one in the collection:

DARK SHADOWS MULTI ILLUSION NECKLACE

Why Google didn't send out an alert for it until tonight is anyone's guess - but there it is.

[Patti Feinberg]

I haven't seen/heard of this, but, yes, it sounds bogus.

In the 'vein' of DS merchadise, remember the bobble heads?

(Please DON'T put back up the posting; alot of the newerish peeps wouldn't have heard of it). PLUS, I know 'some' were done, with 'others' going to be done.

I haven't heard of any in a while.

If I wanted a Barn bobble head (ha!), would you suggest Amazon? Did they DO Barn?

Thanks,

Patti

[Midnite]

Hi, Patti.  I recommend MPI for purchasing the Barnabas bobblehead.  Also in the series are Quentin, Angelique, Josette and the werewolf (supposedly Quentin, though I prefer to think of it as Chris Jennings).  Angelique's may be the hardest to find.

[Mysterious Benefactor]

And here's yet another one:

Betsey Johnson Dark Shadows Cat Front Back Earrings

[MsCriseyde]

Apparently, there's a whole new line of Betsey Johnson jewelry using the "Dark Shadows" name though never specifically invoking the series. There are about 24 items on her web site.

[Mysterious Benefactor]

Well, I guess that means I can look forward to 20 more Google alerts to them!    So thanks for posting the link to her Web site. That way I can ignore each and every one of the ones to come.   

[dom]

Yet on the Lord And Taylor's advertising ad the Dark Shadows reference is omitted.

[MsCriseyde]

Now I know what to get MB for his birthday. 

[Mysterious Benefactor]

Well, I do think the blank and white cat would go well with my salt and pepper beard. 

[The Doctor and K9]

I think anyone can use the name Dark Shadows as long as they don't reference anything directly from the series. There's a novel I keep seeing advertised called House of Dark Shadows. If you look for books on Amazon, you'll find many titled Dark Shadows or using that as part of a longer title. Now if they used any of the DS logos, I think they'd be in trouble. The distinctive Old English font capital letters with the Times New Roman lower case characters is almost certainly trademarked.