Use of Silhouette of Charlie Chaplin

[themadcatlady]

I would like to use the silhouette (i.e. a black outline only) of Charlie Chaplin, with hat and stick and typical broadlegged pose, for a logo for a new company.

Can anybody tell me if the use of his silhouette would be a trademark infringement?

If yes, would it be an infringement if we took a photo of a friend dressed with hat and stick and in the same pose, and then used that silhouette for the logo?

Advice would be most welcome.

[quincy]

Charlie Chaplin, his name, the name of his films, and the Little Tramp image, are protected by both copyright and trademark. You would need to contact Roy Export Company Establishment and Bubbles Inc. S.A., owners of the rights, for permission and a license to use the Little Tramp likeness for your company's trademark.

Whether a license would be granted is anyone's guess, and my guess is that it wouldn't be.

[themadcatlady]

Quincy, thanks for your reply. I will contact them nevertheless, and try.

[quincy]

You're welcome, madcatlady. Good luck.