MacBook Pro use in commercials

[Virgo]

Does anyone else notice that 99% of the time, when someone is using a laptop in a commercial, it's a MacBook Pro? They usually put an ugly circle sticker over the apple logo, though. I was just thinking about it and then a frontline flea med commercial came on, followed by a citibank one.. Both used MBPs. I guess that attests to how good-looking/marketable they are.

 

[saberahul]

True although i don't know why there is a licensing issue. I own a MBP. if I make a commercial - I should be able to use it cus it is my product; so what is the need to cover up the logo? It's not like I put it there...

 

[Virgo]

True although i don't know why there is a licensing issue. I own a MBP. if I make a commercial - I should be able to use it cus it is my product; so what is the need to cover up the logo? It's not like I put it there...

I could be wrong but I think they voluntarily cover the logo so as not to give apple free advertising/product placement.

 

[saberahul]

I could be wrong but I think they voluntarily cover the logo so as not to give apple free advertising/product placement.

Ya that would make sense but then again it may help boost their sales too. Apple products are like coach purses for women...

 

[Nielsenius]

Does anyone else notice that 99% of the time, when someone is using a laptop in a commercial, it's a MacBook Pro? They usually put an ugly circle sticker over the apple logo, though. I was just thinking about it and then a frontline flea med commercial came on, followed by a citibank one.. Both used MBPs. I guess that attests to how good-looking/marketable they are.

You're completely right. Of course, you pretty much need to own a MBP to pick up on it. I doubt if many people realize anything other than a good-looking laptop.

 

[Eddyisgreat]

True although i don't know why there is a licensing issue. I own a MBP. if I make a commercial - I should be able to use it cus it is my product; so what is the need to cover up the logo? It's not like I put it there...

That's not how it works. The logo is part of the brand (which they own) and they are very particular on who does what and where:

1. Advertising, Promotional, and Sales Materials: Only Apple and its authorized resellers and licensees may use the Apple Logo in advertising, promotional, and sales materials. Apple Authorized Resellers may use the Apple Logo only as specified in their reseller agreement and the Apple Corporate Identity Guidelines for Resellers and such use must always be in conjunction with the appropriate terms that define the relationship authorized by their contract with Apple. For example:

Authorized Reseller

Authorized Value Added Reseller

Authorized Service Provider

Authorized Wholesaler

2. Compatibility: Developers may use Apple, Macintosh, iMac, or any other Apple word mark (but not the Apple Logo or other Apple-owned graphic symbol/logo) in a referential phrase on packaging or promotional/advertising materials to describe that the third party product is compatible with the referenced Apple product or technology, provided they comply with the following requirements.

a. The Apple word mark is not part of the product name.

b. The Apple word mark is used in a referential phrase such as “runs on,” “for use with,” “for,” or “compatible with.”

c. The Apple word mark appears less prominent than the product name.

d. The product is in fact compatible with, or otherwise works with, the referenced Apple product.

e. The reference to Apple does not create a sense of endorsement, sponsorship, or false association with Apple or Apple products or services.

f. The use does not show Apple or its products in a false or derogatory light.

 

[harcosparky]

True although i don't know why there is a licensing issue. I own a MBP. if I make a commercial - I should be able to use it cus it is my product; so what is the need to cover up the logo? It's not like I put it there...

Apple puts no money in their pocket, so they cover up the Apple logo.


It's allllllllllllllllllllllll about the $$$$$$$$$$$$$.




.

 

[robert83]

I always feel proud when I see a Macbook Pro in commercials and I actually own one!

 

[deadwulfe]

Apple puts no money in their pocket, so they cover up the Apple logo.

It's allllllllllllllllllllllll about the $$$$$$$$$$$$$.

It's about control. They reserve the right to control their image via how the Apple logo is used/presented. When you see product-placement Macs in movies, it's Apple that's paying money, not the other way around.

 

[Mal]

There's two factors that lead to Apple products showing up in commercials/TV Shows/Movies without Apple paying for the product placement:

1. Apple's computers are more visually attractive than many competitors, so they look better in the advertising, even if they have to cover the logo.

2. Most ad agency's use Macs, so if they need to simply grab a computer to place into a shot, it's probably going to be a Mac that they have lying close at hand.

jW

 

[Virgo]

There's two factors that lead to Apple products showing up in commercials/TV Shows/Movies without Apple paying for the product placement:

1. Apple's computers are more visually attractive than many competitors, so they look better in the advertising, even if they have to cover the logo.

2. Most ad agency's use Macs, so if they need to simply grab a computer to place into a shot, it's probably going to be a Mac that they have lying close at hand.

jW

That makes sense. Iirc, the few commercials that I have seen using non-mac laptops were the creepy local low budget ones.

 

[biodigitaljazz]

It's not just commercials, even. On the pilot of FX's new show Wilfred, in one of the first shots, when the main character Ryan was writing his suicide note, he was on a MBP. Of course, as the above posters mentioned, there was a big sticket covering the Apple on the back of it.