Are you allowed to show products in movies without the companies consent?

Question

I am making a movie and one of the extras on my DVD’s has some product placement is this allowed. Also in very small letters on the main movie there is a staples logo. What is allowed and what isn’t.

Answer 1

it is definately ok

Answer 2

It depends.
First, if the product package is copyrighted (and it probably is) you are technically violating that copyright when you make a copy by including it in your movie. Same for trademarks.
Second, will the copyright holder sue you? That's a different question. If the product is "background" probably not. But if one the main characters dies when eating a particular cereal out of a recognizable box; you'll get hit like a ton of bricks.

Safest: Do not use actual products. Any company that furnishes movie or stage props can rent you anything that you might need. Or if you are really low budget, you can make up something yourself.

Answer 3

I believe you can, but there were some cases of movies showing a product being used, and the movie had a theme or an event or a scene the product owners didn't care for, and would sue for damages, for associating their product with that offensive portion.

So movie makes will usually make generic substitutes or fake brands, or charge the companies for product placement. On "real life" TV shows they just blur out the product name rather than chase everyone down seeking permission.

Answer 4

That depends on if you're showing it doing good or bad things. Have you ever noticed in some documenteries where they are using a camera, they will have some tape or something covering the name. I think that's just for advertising purposes.

Answer 5

no..
cuz when i watch tv
people use black tape to cover the logo on clothes or use fake pop can instead of the real one

Answer 6

no!!!!!!