I saw this odd notice at a miniatures online retailer's web site:
"Games Workshop does not allow re-sellers to show pictures or add GW items to an online shopping cart, but you can still place an order with us! "
The fact that GW prohibits resellers from posting pictures of their product is well-known (if legally questionable) but I've never seen the prohibition for adding their products to an online shopping cart before. How does that even work? I mean, they at least have an arguable case of a copyright interest in images of their products but what legal right do they have to stop a re-seller from including their products in an online shopping cart?
Does anybody know?
Legally? Who knows. Can they cut off that retailer from purchasing from them directly or calling themselves an Authorized Retailer? Yes. I suspect it's that kind of pressure rather than legal.
ReplyDeleteThat said, the threat of legal action, even frivolous, can be daunting to a small online retailer that doesn't have the time or money to defend themselves. That's usually enough.
I've been noticing this with online retailers. Why would they even list their products if they aren't allowed to sell them. GDW business practices really leave a sour taste in one's mouth. I know I will never buy any of their products becuase of them.
ReplyDelete