Regardless of anyone's opinion or feelings on the matter, posters on here need to realize that legality trumps all when it comes to IP and branding. Port Adelaide signed an agreement in 1996, upon entering the AFL, that stated teal would be their colour, and that they couldn't infringe on Collingwood's existing IP by importing their existing black and white wharf pylon jumper, due to the similarities it had with the Collingwood jumper.
Doesn't matter how you feel about that, what position is morally correct in your mind - that's the legality of it. AFL holds the rights to the trademarks, and Port Adelaide have now been told that their request to amend the agreement for Showdowns, has been denied this year.
As I've said before, if we entered in 1996 and wanted to wear navy blue and white whilst Carlton already existed, I daresay we would be in the exact same position if we were trying to wear the hoops now. Only reason we both get to wear the same colours, is because Carlton is basically predominantly navy blue, with just the logo being white (they're known as the Blues), and we as a club have an even spread of navy blue and white hoops. It's the same reason why North was able to wear royal blue and white, as they were vertical stripes, not horizontal (which would have been very similar and may have caused issues down the track).
Whether or not you agree/disagree that the AFL is being stupid compared to other codes in the world, is being insular, is being unfair, is irrelevant. The IP is Collingwood's, as was agreed upon in 1996. Can't just change that 25 years later because you wish it to be so.
It's the same dumb reason that the Grand Final is scheduled to be at the MCG until 2057 - it's unfair and it's pretty archaic. It's also the same reason why we don't get to play home finals in Geelong, whilst Gold Coast, Sydney, Brisbane and GWS, all get to play games at their own grounds - not state home grounds - there is no reason and it's all about protecting their interests/bottom line.
The sooner people accept that, the sooner we can all move on.
Doesn't matter how you feel about that, what position is morally correct in your mind - that's the legality of it. AFL holds the rights to the trademarks, and Port Adelaide have now been told that their request to amend the agreement for Showdowns, has been denied this year.
As I've said before, if we entered in 1996 and wanted to wear navy blue and white whilst Carlton already existed, I daresay we would be in the exact same position if we were trying to wear the hoops now. Only reason we both get to wear the same colours, is because Carlton is basically predominantly navy blue, with just the logo being white (they're known as the Blues), and we as a club have an even spread of navy blue and white hoops. It's the same reason why North was able to wear royal blue and white, as they were vertical stripes, not horizontal (which would have been very similar and may have caused issues down the track).
Whether or not you agree/disagree that the AFL is being stupid compared to other codes in the world, is being insular, is being unfair, is irrelevant. The IP is Collingwood's, as was agreed upon in 1996. Can't just change that 25 years later because you wish it to be so.
It's the same dumb reason that the Grand Final is scheduled to be at the MCG until 2057 - it's unfair and it's pretty archaic. It's also the same reason why we don't get to play home finals in Geelong, whilst Gold Coast, Sydney, Brisbane and GWS, all get to play games at their own grounds - not state home grounds - there is no reason and it's all about protecting their interests/bottom line.
The sooner people accept that, the sooner we can all move on.
