- Protection of Brand image
- Protection of Games Workshop's intellectual property
- Avoidence of Confusion
- Ensure Proper Labelling
- Uniformity in Product Configurations
Pretty much in the first 2 they are saying they want to make sure the image of 40k is protected and that they are protecting their intellectual property. This seems to be a classic reason for anything they do almost. I'm surprised that each year they raise their prices they don't claim this is the reason.
The next two seem a bit asinine as they are saying that they want to make sure people know they are getting Games Workshop Product.
the last one though, I think it needs to be broken down
Uniformity in Product Configurations: Games Workshop products are packaged and sold in certain configurations designed to appeal to the Consumer and maximize the marketability of the products.
Such configurations are are an integral part of Games Workshop's marketing strategies that drive consumer expectations. The resale of components in unmarked or generic packaging undermines those strategies and the ability of Games Workshop to offer a uniform line of products in the marketplace.
I'm not saying that they shouldn't make money, they are a publicly traded company and their job is to make money for their shareholders. But when you have a secondary market with companies like Secret Weapon, Chapter House Studios, Micro Art Studios, and other companies seeing a need that can be filled, and they can do it quickly while bigger companies like Privateer Press nip at your corporate heels, why are you going to kill off a revenue stream? I mean those GW bits come from somewhere.
Till next time - CJ