Erie Railroad Logo Trademark
TOYX, Inc. is the registered owner of the trademark for the iconic Erie Railroad diamond logo. The organization’s goal is to protect the lettering and make it available to present and future preservationists without costly licensing fees that could result from it being controlled by a private or for-profit party. Through protecting and promoting the use of the Erie’s imagery, TOYX hopes to further the preservation of the Erie Railroad.
The logo is protected for TOYX’s exclusive use on the following common items:
Printed or digital newsletters, magazines, articles, brochures, or books
Physical or digital archives
Museum operations, services, tours, lectures, exhibits, and displays
Full-scale railroad equipment and rail transportation services
Model trains of all scales
All types of signs and advertising
Metal structures, including turntables and buildings
Any product or public-facing display depicting or referencing the Erie Railroad’s historic railroad equipment or rail transportation services
TOYX’s full trademark registration, and the full list of protected items, may be viewed on the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office’s website.
We realize that there is interest widespread in using this lettering for use on everything from the restoration of original Erie Railroad equipment to the development of model trains, mugs, and t-shirts. Our purpose in acquiring the rights to the lettering was to ensure that it remained widely available to promote the Erie Railroad overall, so we have implemented a simple licensing policy for parties wishing to use it.
In all cases, please reach out to us to establish a license PRIOR to using the Erie logo. Using it without a license constitutes trademark infringement, making it much more difficult to fulfill our regular licensing requirements and reach an amicable licensing agreement.
Equipment Restoration Projects
For museums, non-profit organizations, and heritage or operating railroads wishing to restore authentic Erie Railroad rolling stock or equipment, we offer a blanket, perpetual, no-cost license in support of these restoration projects. All we ask in return is that the licensee recognize, credit, and promote TOYX, Inc. in any of the licensee’s publicity for the restored equipment and/or events that feature it. It is this publicity that helps to grow our membership and incoming donations, and this influx of support allows us to keep the licenses free to these organizations.
Our standard trademark license agreement for equipment restoration projects is available by clicking here. Please fill it out, sign it, and return it to us at trademark@toyx.org with your inquiry. If your license is approved, we’ll simply sign it and return it to you, expediting this process for both parties.
Merchandise and Sales Items
For other organizations that wish to utilize the Erie logo trademark for merchandise, apparel, or other saleable items (such as model trains or t-shirts) or other projects, we are happy to explore licensing options that work for your business needs. If you are planning to make money from sales of Erie-branded merchandise, we will ask for recognition in your marketing materials or product listings and a nominal licensing fee that works within the scope of your projected sales. These fees help us continue our preservation efforts and drive interest in the Erie Railroad, which should help fuel your sales!
As our trademark licenses for merchandise and sales items are custom-tailored to meet your business needs, please contact us at trademark@toyx.org to discuss your licensing agreement.