Copyright question

[Robin Deatherage]

I really didn't know where to put this so if someone wants to move it that would be ok with me.   

I am working on my chapter's newsletter and I want to promote TENCon and the Orlando area.  I thought I would put in a blurb about visiting Orlando area theme parks and insert some of their logos.  I certainly do not want to end up getting a nasty letter from their lawyers though.  Thoughts?

[Jim Jensen]

Technically you would be infringing on their trademarks, but you're also promoting tourism for them. In my opinion, while you would be risking a letter, you're likely very far down on their radar. As a nonprofit, it moves you down even further since the organization isn't making a "profit" from it. However, the letter might end up at the doorstep at Chicago at Ascnet's main office, since it's their event. To be truly open about it, you might run it past them. Of course, "theme parks" and similar language without logos doesn't violate trademarks.

[Jan Regnier]

I saw this on GOOGLE and it's probably correct:

"i would not do this for anything. do not use another company's logo or photo of their products in your promotional material unless you have their express written consent."

[Bloody Jack Kidd]

However - you are free to use the AU logo in place of any other logo that may be risky.  It's the stunt-double of logos.

[Billy Welsh]

I would think ASCNet has permission for Disney's "stuff" given that they are hosting the conference???

[Robin Deatherage]

I went ahead and checked with ASCnet just to be sure.  They said I would be safe to mention a theme park by name, using the appropriate copy or trademark symbol but not by copying their logo from their websites.  They also said I could reference the location by name and use the name as a link to each website.  I think I'm going to leave all names out for the sake of simplicity.

[Andy]

Everyone right on par.  If you use their logo without permission, you are infringing on copyrighted material.

Plus, and I could be wrong ... this event is NOT being hosted at Disney.  I don't think (again, could be wrong as I am at home with no reference) ... Gaylord is not on the Disney property?

If I were doing a newsletter to my peeps - I'd go ahead and make mention of the theme parks, call them out by name if you like and include some links to their sites ... but not use any of their logos.  And yes, you are certainly way off their radar, but you also want to be professional and respectful.  Always best to avoid the "wild west" of the internet with a "if they don't catch me, it's ok" attitude.

[Lance Bateman]

Correct - it's not at Disney.

[Jason@KiteTech]

Everyone right on par.  If you use their logo without permission, you are infringing on copyrighted material.

Not entirely true.  As a non-profit, a lot of stuff can be classified as "fair use" since you're using it for general knowledge and not profit.  That being said...  Disney is probably THE most hostile company when it comes to intellectual property.  They'll sue you just to make a point.

Since you're flying under Ascnet's flag, you ultimately have to defer to them on any judgement calls.  Using copyrighted material, even in a "fair use" capacity, might violate their guidelines.

[Jim Jensen]

Everyone right on par.  If you use their logo without permission, you are infringing on copyrighted material.

Not entirely true.  As a non-profit, a lot of stuff can be classified as "fair use" since you're using it for general knowledge and not profit.  That being said...  Disney is probably THE most hostile company when it comes to intellectual property.  They'll sue you just to make a point.

Since you're flying under Ascnet's flag, you ultimately have to defer to them on any judgement calls.  Using copyrighted material, even in a "fair use" capacity, might violate their guidelines.

The NFL doesn't consider "Super Bowl Party" and use of their logos as "fair use" even by nonprofits. They sent the goon squads out to churches here in 2006 when the Colts were playing in it. Forced them to remove signs, cancel parties and restrict even the size of the screen they could be shown on. It was ok at bars, though.