I have an idea for web site and would like to use the last name of a somewhat famous movie character, such as balboanews.com (just an example). The site would not be about that movie or the character, but would be written in such a way that you might assume that that character--or someone like him--is delivering the news. Does that make sense? To use my example, the site or blog would be written as if the character Rocky Balboa was talking, although that full name would never be used. You would just know he was a former boxer from Philly and not too bright. Obviously I would not want to infringe on the copyright of the movie Rocky or the character of Rocky Balboa.
2006-08-30 02:31:56 · 12 answers · asked by Bob R 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
Check with an intellectual property attorney before attempting to do this. The cost for a quick consult will be worth it compared to any hassles later on down the road.
Be sure to be upfront & honest and let the attorney know everything you intend to do -- if they can help you make a claim of parody, they'll need to know this info.
Hope that helps! Good luck!
2006-08-30 06:34:56 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It relies upon on the call of the character. There are names i admire that have been motivated by using books or video clips (in spite of the shown fact that it does not be "after" that character) Lucy (from the peanuts sketch) Josephine (from little females) Scarlett (from long previous with the wind) Phoebe (from charmed) Alice (from alice in wonderland) it particularly is that it somewhat is the place I first heard the call, or somewhat grew to alter into familiar with it and went-hey, this could be a sturdy call. i think of issues like that impact various human beings (Emma grew to alter into very usual after the toddler on friends became named this) Now, if its a different character call or a popularity strongly linked with a character this could be a distinctive situation (i admire the call Harry yet there is too lots association with Harry Potter to apply it stunning now IMO) Likewise, i does not use Hermione, Severus, Draco, or Albus-too strange and clearly related to the tale.
2016-09-30 04:09:29 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the content involves poking fun at the character, it's protected under the Parody statute of intellectual property.
2006-08-30 02:37:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there are no explicit references to the character, you should be fine, especially if it's just a site for personal kicks. You might run into legal problems if you try to make money off the site, though.
2006-08-30 02:36:27 · answer #4 · answered by Taro Shinsei 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The names and characters all belong to the studio. They are protected under copyright. Any likenesses belong to them too.
2006-08-30 02:34:39 · answer #5 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can. Actually some people do it to make business. For instance, if the name www.coca-cola.com wasn't taken, then I could buy it and resell it to the brand.
Internet is a gate for information flow, hence it would be the same as asking if talking about a movie would be illegal.
2006-08-30 02:36:28 · answer #6 · answered by synthetic 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Someone holds the rights to the name and would probably sue you or sent a "cease and desist" order from using the name.
2006-08-30 02:35:18 · answer #7 · answered by Hippie Bill Clinton 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
by default you can do that. but before doing that check whether they have taken the copyright for the character. in that case you cant...
2006-08-30 02:37:27 · answer #8 · answered by menon 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's not all ready used as a registered domain name.
2006-08-30 02:38:14 · answer #9 · answered by Marcel L 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
why not but you should know there is many site provide all these informations like
movies.yahoo.com
msn.com
aol.com
2006-08-30 02:36:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋