If I use names from wwe industry on my site, do I have to ask permision from wwe? Ex: if I use those names in a fanfic (story), and I post it on my site, do I break any law? plz answer and thx 4 the other answers u guys gave me!
2007-03-16 06:29:00 · 3 answers · asked by mihaitzu_06 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
From what I've read on-line, it sounds like you would technically be breaking the law. Would the WWE sue you over it, I don't know. I know Paramount seems okay with Start Trek fanfic. But I've heard that George Lucas and other sci-fi creators have not been so happy to see their characters used in fanfic.
2007-03-16 06:50:10 · answer #1 · answered by BethS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the context, and how they are being used, you may or may not be breaking trademark laws (for those cases where the person has trademarked their professional name).
Generally, if you are using the name to refer to that person, for non-commercial purpose, and you are not implying any specific endorsement by that person, then you are probably fine.
But there are many different reasons someone can sue you, and laws vary by state, so if you want to be sure, consult a licensed attorney who can do a thorough check for you.
2007-03-16 14:04:40 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally speaking, when you use anything from a copyrighted story, article, or company that utilizes proprietary names, you need permission.
The key to general referencing or using a name in a blog or fictionalized story is commercialization. If it is non-commercial, then permission is not required. If you ran a Hulk Hogan fan club, for instance, you would not need permission. If you wanted to sell Hulk Hogan paraphernalia or charge a fee for an online comic using his name, you would need (licensing) permission.
2007-03-16 13:44:23 · answer #3 · answered by washingtonian3 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋