Through following a link on one of your comments, I came across these two photos of Alan Gelfand doing his signature “ollie” in both 1979 and 2004. I’ve seen a few “Then and Now” photo comparisons before, but these shots one-up the usual because he’s riding the same model board in both shots. What’s he doing riding a 25+ year old Powell board? Who knows how much it’s worth on eBay? (We do. $559 – $2,933) I say, keep riding it! Gelfand was involved with a lawsuit against Disney and Sega over skateboard toys and games using the word “Ollie.” I wonder how that turned out. Check out Alan’s web site, ollieair.com. [Photos: Left – CR Stecyk. Right – Charles Lillo]
13 comments
egbert
Him suing anyone for using that word is lame. Oh snap, now I’m going to get sued by GW for using the word “lame”. I’m pretty sure he has that trademarked. Dumb.
Kilwag
Normally I might agree, but I think it’s in reference to some particular skateboarding characters or figures named “Ollie.” So in a sense, they (Disney et al) are capitalizing on his name. It’s a tenuous link, but perhaps valid since “Ollie” is part of his name and he’s in the dictionary for inventing the trick. I don’t think the lawsuit applies to just using the word “Ollie” as it applies to a skateboard trick. I would hope that he’s not trying to get a royalty just for using the word “ollie” to describe a trick. If Disney or anyone is marginally making money of his name, I say go for it. He should get paid. It would be sort of similar to some toy company making a cartoon basketball figurine called “Air Jordan.”
Of course, this is all assumption on my part, and this discussion probably precludes Alan from commenting on it if it hasn’t been settled yet.
Conahan
But Disney has done so much to bring joy into our lives.
Smay1O
You guys are soooo stupid!
flysk8guy
If you use the ollie pay the ollie .
brad
…trust me the day is coming when professional althletes can and will legally patent signature moves…Surgeons can already trademark surgical techniques (moves) that no one else can legally use but themselves…
nweyesk8
damn it, does that mean it’s gonna start costing me everytime i want to do a Caballero?
taylor
Listen up. A lot of guys misunderstand the purpose of the law suit. “Kilwag” is one of the few who do understand it and can make the distinction. Imagine if some companies (espcially outside groups) started making skate products using the word Cab, Caballero or Caballarial. We’d KNOW who’s name it was and we, as skateboarders, would not be down with it. We’d back Cabbie if he sued anyone. Why is this any different for Alan “Ollie” Gelfand? Think about it. We should be applauding him. Disney, Sega, everyone, wants a piece of the skate pie. How much of that pie do us skaters ever see? Right on Alan wherever you are!
nweyesk8
i do get it and i totally support Alan Gelfand. I was however mocking brads idea of legal patenting of signature tricks
Alan 'Ollie" Gelfand
First of all, I want to thank everyone for their support. Please let me know if you see any products being sold that use the word ollie, olliwood, and Alan Gelfand.
I just feel that I should be given a small cut in the profits that large companies like Disney make. I’ve also never been asked permission,which is a huge part of the problem. Misuse of my name or defaming my character is insulting also. The bottom line is that I work very hard at my automotive shop and put in long hours and live in the “hood”. I’m thankful for what I have but feel a little slighted. Thanks again.
Conahan
Wow! Thanks for checking in Alan. Now if you can just settle a controversy for us. Is a no-handed-air on flat ground an ollie?
Nike SB
Thats so strange! Why wont he upgrade… there must be sumthing about the board lol
Alan Ollie Gelfand Ie
Well, it