Copyright question regarding sports teams?

Question

I have an embroidery business. I make blankets with pictures and peoples names on it.

I know that I can put "Go Seattle" on the blanket
Can I put "Go Mariners?" "Seattle Mariners" "Ichiro #51"
Can I use the team colors?
How about the font?

I have no intention of playing with NFL, NBA, MLB lawyers! I just want to sell blankets!!

Answer 1

You'd probably need to license the fonts, colors and team names from the specific teams. Obviously, sports related items command a good price and the teams know this so they'll charge you a premium (probably hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars).

You can probably get away with "Go Mariners!" or something like that, but to use the whole package (team name, colors and font) you're running into trademark territory. Stick with something simple such as above, "Go Mariners!" or player names/numbers and possibly add the team colors too. I wouldn't try to replicate the entire "look" the team has going by copying the font, color, logo and everything. Basically, use just enough so that fans will know it's a football blanket (team colors and a "Go Mariners!" sort of thing), but not so much that you're infringing on their trademark.

If you're really worried about it, contact a lawyer who deals in trademark law. Most lawyers will give you a free consultation so you can ask them a quick question and explain what you have planned.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I would guess you could do "Go Seattle" safely. Major league baseball can't put a trademark on a city. You probably could use the team colors on the blanket, althought that might be a tough one. And make it a generic font.

This is a pretty dangerous area, because major league sports have bulldogs as lawyers, and they have deep pockets. Even if the Mariners lose, they can eat up your bank account with legal manuevers along the way. So I'd invest in a meeting with a lawyer on this one before you do anything potentially damaging.

Answer 3

Unfortunately my friend that would be against the law. The MLB,NBA,NCAA,& NFL own the rights& likeness to all their active players names, jerserys, mercindise, etc... If caught selling that knock stuff you're looking at one hell of a fine, and the NFL does not mess around with that kind of thing.

Answer 4

each a sort of is "definite, you may." For products, you may not disparage--you have not have been given your character dine at Wolfgang %.'s, consume a great Mac, or down a Bud, then say it tasted undesirable, or get ill from it. yet you do not would desire to compliment it, the two. impartial is nice. Your questions make me contemplate whether you're extensive-adequate study to be particularly waiting to submit. in case you study conventional fiction, you will see each a sort of goods.

Answer 5

I think you can as long as you don't use their official logos without permission. If you intend to make money you need permission to use the logo or its copyright infringement.