I want to build a fan site for many sports teams. What are the legal rules around copyright of name or logo? For example..If I build a site about the Indianapolis Colts can I use the name "Indianapolis Colts" and put their logo on my site? Do I need some kind of disclaimer or permission?
It that pretty much the legal thing to do with any logo that belongs to a company? For example, a car company, starbucks, etc.
If you are building a fansite that is not endorsed by the company you may have troubles. Myself and many other members on this board have xxx number of fansites and have had little to no trouble with them. Main thing to watch for is stay away from trademarked items. Photos, logo's and the like.
Sounds like I better stay away from them. FanAddict, I would love to see some of your sites..do you have any for the Indianapolis Colts?
Mamma.. might you be a Colts fan? I am too, and I've got some very good advertising info for you if you want some COLTS Specific traffic. PMing you
Not sure about American football, but you're not allowed to use logos of the clubs for soccer sites. www.insidearsenal.co.uk (pretty popular) got their site shut down for a few days and contacted by Arsenal themselves after they used a logo due to 'copyright issues'.
Thanks..you all have made me leary enough that I don't feel comfortable with it. I think I will just forget this idea and move on to something different.
Don't give up! It can easily be done, maybe contacting the team beforehand. Don't let a good idea go to waste.
The logo is not essential to the site mate, all you need in the name, perhaps some decent colours and you're sorted.
I don't have any sports related lol! I do have some that are person specific that are sports stars.. but that's about it I'm not FANaddict for nothing. Don't let what I said scare you, get a domain and make a layout that would represent the team. You do not then have to use their logo! Many sports pictures can be found in PRESS KITS given out by the players reps.