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Hi! Just a quick question. We are about to start shooting a wildlife documentary down here in Key West, Florida (our first) and was wandering about copyright infringement issues on t-shirts worn.
Our wildlife host will be wearing several t-shirts throughout the show and we didn't know if they all had to be blank showing no logos or designs whatsoever (ie..quicksilver, reef, etc..) ...or if it was ok as long as there were no trademark or copyright symbols next to the designs on the shirt.
The videos ultimately will be sold online in the end.
Any information anyone may have will be very useful. Thank you.
Re: T-shirt copyright infringement on wildlife show
Quote:
Originally Posted by whiteapeman
Hi! Just a quick question. We are about to start shooting a wildlife documentary down here in Key West, Florida (our first) and was wandering about copyright infringement issues on t-shirts worn.
Our wildlife host will be wearing several t-shirts throughout the show and we didn't know if they all had to be blank showing no logos or designs whatsoever (ie..quicksilver, reef, etc..) ...or if it was ok as long as there were no trademark or copyright symbols next to the designs on the shirt.
The videos ultimately will be sold online in the end.
Any information anyone may have will be very useful. Thank you.
Chris
If you took the pictures or own the pictures you can use them. If they belong to someone else you may have a problem.
Re: T-shirt copyright infringement on wildlife show
I am not sure about that one. Product placement and infringement are a big no no in film for resale. What if you are wearing a tee with an obvious logo and they dont want their name associated with your ideas. I think you need to consult an attouney and ask permission.
Re: T-shirt copyright infringement on wildlife show
A lot of shows do err on the side of caution and blur everything out. I've never really understood why - I don't see how it could possibly be illegal to wear clothing - but the number of production companies who do it would give me pause. No-one here can give you a definitive answer unfortunately - if there isn't an industry body that can give you a more weighty answer, it would be best to consult a lawyer (or err on the side of caution, whichever suits you more).
Re: T-shirt copyright infringement on wildlife show
Just to add... whether or not there are "trademark or copyright symbols next to the designs on the shirt" definitely makes no difference. Whether or not the symbol is conspicuously displayed, all artwork is protected by copyright, and most of those company names will be registered trademarks. It's either okay to wear whatever clothes you happen to have on when you shoot a video, or it's not - which clothes specifically won't change the legality, only the likelihood of actually being sued (versus being sent a gift hamper... plenty of people want their t-shirts seen on tv shows).
Re: T-shirt copyright infringement on wildlife show
You could be looking at a revenue stream for production costs. You mentioned Reef and Quicksilver and a documentary in Florida. I am quessing some sort of surfing or ocean related program. You may be able to get financial sponsorship from some of those companies or at least free wardrobe for depicting branded products.
T-shirt copyright infringement on wildlife show 
