"Kodachrome" by Paul Simon, early 70's? For you old timers like me (age 41)?

Question

How did Paul Simon get away with doing this song without infringing on copyright laws by using Kodak's "Kodachrome" film and "Nikon camera" in the song's lyrics?
I assume both companies allowed him to do it because it was advertising for their products!

Answer 1

Kodachrome is a song written by Paul Simon, and featured on his album There Goes Rhymin' Simon, which was released in May 1973.

The song is named after the Kodak film Kodachrome. The song became a major hit in the United States, but it was not a hit in Britain, most likely because British radio would not play the trademarked name.

Although Kodak required the album to note that Kodachrome is a trademark of Kodak, decades later Kodak used the song in commercials to sell film in the late 1990s.

Answer 2

I doudt that mentioning commercial items in verse would be against any copyright law due to freedom of speech. Another film or camera company can't use the names you mention but that is all a copyright does. The Beach Boys used Coke in a tune and the Beatles used Coca-Cola, What about Mustang Sally...The list would be endless if you want to spend the time thinking of songs that mention commercial items by name.

Answer 3

I like most of their music. Some of my favorites are Scarborough Fair, Sounds of Silence, Leaves That Are Green, and April Come She Will. I also like Paul Simon's songs Boy in the Bubble and Obvious Child.

Answer 4

I can't answer your question, but I had the Kodachrome 45 when I was a kid (age 44 now). It was cool when mom would let me and my brother and sister buy a record for 69 cents at the local department store. I still have them all.

Answer 5

I've got a Nikon camera, I love to take a photograph
Momma don't take my Kodachrome away.

I think your right, they must've run that past the marketing people from both companies.

Answer 6

its an early form of product placement like im gonna buy me a mercree and cruise on down that road or the terraplane blues a song by big robert johnson in the 1930's about a car

Answer 7

If you look at any album that has the song, it notes that nikon and kodachome are registered trademarks and they gave permission as such, as long as that notice is on the records

Answer 8

I liked that song but obviously that song was done before the days of lawyers and no one really cared...he must have had some sort of clearance to do that song....probably publicity or something!!

Answer 9

They need to usually get permission before doing it, or it could cause copyright infringments.

Answer 10

He must have paid them in some manner to use the names so blatently