question about brands

do you need permission?

[sadelb]

I just had a question about putting brand names on a website... Lets say I am selling something by sony.. if you search by brand you see the sony symbol. can i use that sony symbol in the brand section on my website without permission or do I need permission to post that sony symbol on my site. If I cant use that symbol, how can i post it? would I just have to write it out normally? (Sony was just an example) Thanks in advance

ben

[kodaks]

Yes, it would be safer if you get permission from each individual company before using the name or logo. They may have you put at the bottom of each image something like "Copyright 2004 Sony Company Used with Permission".

[netguy]

sadelb, if you are an authorized dealer for the company it shouldn't be a problem (this is often outlined in the reseller agreement), but if you are an affiliate, it may be more questionable.

Personally, if I were trying to help a company sell their products, I wouldn't be overly concerned about it - unless you are somehow defaming their name in the process. This is a common practice to discern the various manufacturers, and if somewhere down the line a company doesn't like it, you would probably get a letter request to remove it rather than them spending a ton on litigation.

To expand on kodaks post, you might consider adding 'All other product names and company logos are the trademarks of the respective owners,' after your own copyright notice.

Over the years, I've found that some of the bigger firms are more concerned about maintaining minimum online pricing levels and territorial concerns - rather than whether or not their logo is used for a legitimate sales effort.

Steve

[Jon_King]

Most companies don't police the use of their logos unless a misuse is brought to their attention.

The US copyright and trademark laws revolve around the protection of commerce. The only way, I know of, to get into any real legal trouble is to somehow damage the owners’ ability to generate revenue or directly taking revenue that they would otherwise have received.

The law also states that an effort on their part is required to ensure the public is aware of possible infringement, meaning they have to contact you and tell you they don't want you to use their logo.

I am not a lawyer but have been involved in several significant trademark/patent cases and this is my experience.

[sadelb]

thanks guys...

[lgn1]

[edit - removed, no longer relevent]