Dave,
The following is from the UP website:
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Licensing Income Supports UP History
As a result of growth in Union Pacific's trademark licensing program and in response to suggestions from model railroaders and railroad historical societies, UP will allocate income generated by the licensing program to support UP's Heritage programs. This includes the steam program, Heritage passenger fleet and museum.
UP's trademark licensing program protects the integrity of the names and trademarks owned by Union Pacific by controlling commercial use of those marks.
The company's commitment to preserve railroad history began in the 1920s when UP President Carl Gray called on employees and retirees to help create the Union Pacific Museum.
"President Gray’s foresight created the oldest corporate museum in the nation and laid the foundation for Union Pacific's longstanding commitment to preserving railroad heritage," said Bob Turner, senior vice president-Corporate Relations. "Union Pacific has moved far beyond the museum envisioned by President Gray. We now maintain the most prestigious operating steam program in the nation, an unsurpassed fleet of historic passenger cars, and six new Heritage locomotives painted to honor legendary railroads."
Union Pacific has licensed dozens of manufacturers to produce and distribute model railroad equipment items bearing the company's trademarks, including Union Pacific products that are available at retailers including Urban Outfitters, Wal-Mart and Target.
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As a lawsuit heats up in Denver in favor of the defendant (not UP), the UP starts furiously backpedaling.
Stay tuned for further developments.
Rick Steele