I’m not sure why so many people don’t seem to understand what the issue is with use of the Ed Parker Sr. Intellectual Properties (IP). They make analogies to going to college, earning a degree, then having to send a check to the school for using what they learned. I remember having this very discussion with Mr. Parker. Professor Chow told him he should be sending him money, Mr. Parker actually said “Should I send money to my college professors, too?” Kam IV is not asking to take money for teaching body motion. That cannot be trademarked or copyrighted. It’s been tried since the 70s and failed. What they are asking for is for those using the IPs to be licensed to do so.
A more correct analogy was used by a friend of mine who said you don’t get a Harvard degree then go out and sell a degree with Harvard on it. Another said if you work for a national burger chain, quit and go open a burger joint, you can’t use the their logo unless you’re licensed or franchised. Try using Krav Maga or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu on your studio sign, etc. without a license and see what happens. They will step on you hard.
You have to be trained by them, pass a test and pay your fees. Those fees are more per month than Kam IV asks for for a year. It’s minimal, breaking down to about $8/month. Pay the fee, use the images, names, trademarks and the rest with permission. What is so hard about it? Like the burger guy who gets a license or franchise to use the Golden Arches, no worries but you’re expected to uphold a standard. Maybe that’s what some are concerned about. So many have gone out on their own in the past years that maybe they don’t think they need to be overseen. If so, do your own thing and don’t attach Mr. Parker to it. Credit him as an inspiration, then do what you do. Just don’t slap up a sign with the crest and wear his patch. Someone expecting a chian store burger because you have their logo and getting your home-made concoction, while it may be excellent, is being misled. Large corporations (or any of the other entities mentioned) put time, energy and money in developing materials, products, image, and more and they are due the fees. Just as is Kam IV.
