What are the rules for using famous quotes as slogans/phrases on merchandise sold for profit?
Posted by admin on Nov 1, 2008 in Other - Advertising Marketing |
big_samp asked:
Looking to use certain quotes in a marketing campaign and wanted to know if there are any general rules regarding the practice or is it case by case? The quotes in question would come from famous people in history who have had a positive effect on the world.
Boxing Equipment
Looking to use certain quotes in a marketing campaign and wanted to know if there are any general rules regarding the practice or is it case by case? The quotes in question would come from famous people in history who have had a positive effect on the world.
Boxing Equipment
It is my understanding that you can use famous quotes and the like to promote your business, but you cannot use photos, drawings or other likenesses of celebrities or other famous people without their permission. This even includes people who have died. The likenesses of many celebrities, such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe for example, are under the ownership and management of their estates, and if you use their likenesses without permission you can be sued big time.
This also applies to characters who are not real people - for example Bugs Bunny or characters from movies. So, for instance, if you wanted to imitate Marlon Brando from The Godfather saying I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse, this would also be protected by copyright.