Permission to use a logo question.

**kraab** · 10-23-2008 02:17 PM

Lets say I wanted to use a professional sports team logo on novelty item, such as a stress ball or something of the sort. Would i need to get permission of some kind to have the name of the team printed on whatever item it may be. And if so how do i do that?

**Nordstrom** · 10-23-2008 05:07 PM

If it is a registered trademark you need permission. Contact the company who have trademarked the logo.

**BusinessAdviser** · 10-23-2008 07:15 PM

Whether it is "registered" or not, you cannot infringe on the rights of the trademark owner by reproducing it, and registration is not necessary for trademark ownership. To use the mark, you'll need permission from the owner.

**kraab** · 10-23-2008 10:07 PM

Thanks for the replies. How bout this. Lets say i wanted to print the name of the sports team on something and I am using a font in microsoft word that is similar but not exact to the actual team name font. Would this be legit?

**BusinessAdviser** · 10-23-2008 11:34 PM

It's not just the actual mark, but likely the copyright of the name too. Because a reasonable consumer could confuse the two, you're still likely violating the copyright owner's right.

**75dollarLOGOS.com** · 10-24-2008 12:49 AM

The bottom line: there is no way that you can use the name, color scheme or anything that the "reasonable person" would associate with the actual organization and not something produced by you, the consumer.

In fact, I would even venture so far as to say that if you were to make an iron-on shirt with the words "Oakland Raiders" in an Old English font -- the Raiders' legal team could choose to serve a cease-and-desist.

Copyright/Trademark crackdowns have really become the norm with the advent of the internet and the availability of literally ANYTHING. You can get any logo or image that you want, anymore.

Will people still do it? Absolutely. But I know that even if you're not "selling" it -- it's still not LEGAL.

As a SIDE NOTE....and this might be a legal urban legend.......apparently the Harley-Davidson company has a HUGE LEGAL TEAM that is dedicated to nothing BUT looking for non-licensed versions of their logo and PROSECUTING the perpetrators! Ouch!

respect

frankD

**discountedclothing** · 10-24-2008 04:49 AM

Better stay away from using other corporate logos.
My question is: Are we allowed if we state the name of the product? (in simple text)

**kraab** · 10-24-2008 10:30 AM

Thanks to you all for the advice. Has anyone had any experiences with getting permission to use something that is copyrighted?

**Sef** · 10-30-2008 12:42 PM

If I post a picture that isn't mine on a forum with a company name or franchise on it I always put "picture courtesy of.." or "logo belongs to". I haven't been hit with a cease and desist yet...but the internet is a pretty big place.

**BusinessAdviser** · 11-01-2008 11:29 PM

Originally Posted by Sef

If I post a picture that isn't mine on a forum with a company name or franchise on it I always put "picture courtesy of.." or "logo belongs to". I haven't been hit with a cease and desist yet...but the internet is a pretty big place.

This still doesn't protect you legally.