He's used a picture of a design. Which isnt a big deal at all. To solve the problem he just has to use a different picture....Boom problem solved lmao. This is business, the most competitive game in the world. To the guy that is crying foul.... Welcome to business 101, be sure to take notes. You had a decent idea for something but didnt keep moving forward fast enough. Someone else filled the void that you left and actually came up with a better idea. He included medals into his thinking and he physically made them. He then proceeded to advertise the shit out of it and even got feedback from ESL. Thats not bad business like all of you have been saying. Thats actually good business, really good business. As for the copyright thing. If yall think the "key guy" can copyright the idea of putting an image on a key... well thats just hilarious. Thats literally his only claim to fame here considering he doesnt own the images that he used for the design and like i said good luck copyrighting the idea of putting an image on a key lmao. So that leaves us with Valve and ESL. These parties have legitimate standing in regards to copyright and trademark laws. That being said these companies have to call foul in order to stop anyone from using their trademarks. So the "medal guy" took a risk. He used the images and trademarks that belonged to a couple of companies and put them on a product. So now his business depends on the reaction of the said companies. They can either cry foul and order him to stop OR they can see value in his product and proceed to make a business deal. Its a risky move but I completely understand it. Look at the alternative route. He goes to valve says "hey i have this idea for medals and i think people would buy them". 2 things can happen. Valve shrugs him off doesnt think twice about it. Or valve thinks its a good idea. If valve thinks its a good idea what would stop them from just doing it themselves? Absolutely nothing. It would be way too easy to cut the "medal guy" out of the equation. So what does the "medal guy" do? He makes himself an important part of the equation. He figures out how to physically make them with what seems to be decent quality. Now when Valve or ESL sees this idea they will be MUCH more obligated to doing business directly with him. Sometimes you have to risk it to get the biscuit. Considering ESL responded with a "Let's talk via PM." message I would say his plan is working. Or they are crushing his dreams and his business is over :)

*For everyone giving shit to the "medal guy" for advertising a lot..... please take a business class, I recommend "Professional Selling".