Several people have suggested that I design a Calamityware plate with Godzilla stomping pagodas. While this would make memorable dinnerware, it’s not going to happen. To understand why, it might help to review the difference between an iconic dinosaur like Tyrannosaurus rex and Godzilla.

Item 10 is the critical one. According to numerous articles in the business press. Mr. Godzilla has an army of lawyers eager to pounce. They routinely force businesses to change their name, force products to be removed from the market, and force songs to drop their Godzilla music. Add “zilla” to anything and you’ll probably get a letter asking you to stop.

It’s all because Godzilla is a property of Toho, a Tokyo-based business that earns a zillion dollars each year by licensing Godzilla music, movies, toys, posters and other tie-ins.

So, don’t ask me for Godzilla plates. He’s scary, but his lawyers are even worse.

Don
Pittsburgh, January 24, 2018.