can use name of a new movie in articles/press releases

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by jgjg, Aug 13, 2008.

  1. #1
    just curious if it is ok or if these are trademarked...could for example I use 'Would This Product Help Batman The Dark Night?"

    and then blah blah blah...

    thinking of piggybacking of popularity...not of this movie but of maybe another in future
     
    jgjg, Aug 13, 2008 IP
  2. Contrarian

    Contrarian Guest

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    #2
    Pineapple Express

    go to imdb.com for future movie titles (search for A list actors and then see the movies that they are working on)
     
    Contrarian, Aug 13, 2008 IP
  3. DeenaEsq

    DeenaEsq Peon

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    #3
    The names of movies are generally trademarked by the studios as soon as they decide on the name. If you really want to know, go to www.uspto.gov and search for the trademark on the TESS system.

    Deena
    ____________________________________________________________
    Any opinions are offered without knowledge of the specific law of your jurisdiction and with only the limited information provided in your post. No advice given here should be reasonably relied upon by you or any third party without consulting an attorney who is aware of all of the facts and law surrounding your situation. Any advice given here is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship in any way.
     
    DeenaEsq, Aug 14, 2008 IP
  4. mjewel

    mjewel Prominent Member

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    #4
    TESS only shows federal registrations and doesn't show state, common law trademarks, or trademark from other countries. All movie names, used in a manner that relates to the movie, would be subject to trademark protection regardless of a federal registration.

    Using popular movies name in a non-parody manner, such as a product advertisement or press release for a product, is asking for trouble.
     
    mjewel, Aug 14, 2008 IP
  5. atulperx

    atulperx Banned

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    #5
    I think writing their names in articles are not a problem and if indirect way you are promoting them . I have seen so many blogs using movies names in their posts and titles .
     
    atulperx, Aug 14, 2008 IP
  6. DeenaEsq

    DeenaEsq Peon

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    #6
    MJewel,

    Indeed you are correct, but most major motion pictures do trademark their names with the USPTO.

    jgjg,

    It really does depend on what you're planning to do with the name. It's not a question that can be really answered without more information.

    Deena
    ________________________________________________________

    Any opinions are offered without knowledge of the specific law of your jurisdiction and with only the limited information provided in your post. No advice given here should be reasonably relied upon by you or any third party without consulting an attorney who is aware of all of the facts and law surrounding your situation. Any advice given here is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship in any way.
     
    DeenaEsq, Aug 15, 2008 IP
  7. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #7
    In the example you gave, you're almost acting like it's a character endorsement, so no, you shouldn't be using it. There are situations where including a company name isn't an issue - for example, if your company were putting out a release detailing research results on social media usage, you would be fine giving stats examples comparing services or something similar.
     
    jhmattern, Aug 15, 2008 IP