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What is the story behind the Montblanc Skeleton "I love NY" edition, and why of all places was it not available in New York?

Articles from the collector portal Limited Editions FAQ entry

After the Skeleton Star edition 333 (see https://www.fountainpen.de/skeleton-star.htm) sold out within a very short time, Montblanc brought a whole series of further Skeleton variants to the market. An overview can be found at https://www.fountainpen.de/skeleton.htm in the Limited Flag Pens section.

Among the country-specific Skeleton editions there was also the "I love NY" variant, produced in just 50 pieces. This edition counts among the most sought-after and rarest Skeleton pieces of all. However, a curious trademark mishap occurred: Montblanc had apparently failed to properly secure the rights to the well-known "I love NY" logo (designed by Milton Glaser, protected by the New York State Department of Economic Development).

The consequence: while the edition could be sold regularly in Asia or, for example, in the Paris boutique, it was of all places not available in New York – precisely at the very location to which the edition was dedicated. A remarkable example of how important the correct clarification of licensing and trademark rights is, especially for strongly regionally focused limited editions.

Direct model page: https://www.fountainpen.de/skeleton-i-love-ny-en.htm

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