Hi There, I would like to set up a fan website for a TV show broadcast on the BBC in the UK. My idea was something like <showname>fan.com... I know that the BBC hold the trademark rights to this particular show, so in doing this am I doing something wrong? I emailed the BBC, but they haven't got back to me yet... Thanks, Rich
No.. that was my question... Is it a problem if I use <show name>fan.com, even if they have a trademark on the name, even though the website will clealy state it's a fan website, and also the website is not trying to impersonate the show - merely act as a fan site? Plenty of computer games use that idea, and I am sure they don't pay to use the name...
Some allow it while others don't, especially if the site will have ads. No reply doesn't equal consent, so don't do it if you're especially within their reach and until you get that consent (if ever) in writing. You could actually still put that site up even without any hint of commercial use. But BBC might make it an issue, depending on your respective laws.
lol To answer your question, maybe you can, maybe you can't. There is nothing stopping you. However, you could be taken to court. I don't advise putting any type of ads on the site should you choose to do it. The reason why I say that is once you start making some decent money, they may come after you. Now, there are plenty of fan sites out there, and most companys aren't going to try to hammer you, as those places are great free advertising for the company. It really depends on their attorney's at the particular time. They could go years without saying anything and then once you get big, take it all away from you. Are you willing to just lose all your hard work and time, as well as money (all you put into the site, any potential legal fees for lawyers for you, and any damages they may win)