Using "Quotes"

[bravo6]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? TX

Hi,

I'm designing a line of t-shirts that use quotes from celebrities in the designs. Are there legal issues with this, if these quotes were stated publicly and not registered as a trademark?

Thanks!

 

[FlyingRon]

Not being registered doesn't mean much to you. They can be trademarks if they are used in commerce. The more famous the quote is, the more likely you'll have issues. For example, using Arnold's "I'll be back" is almost certainly going to run afoul of the movie maker. Further, if you stray beyond the quote (into the actual celebrity name or likeness), you have different issues.

 

[bravo6]

hmm, so using a quote and actually crediting the person that said it is a bigger issue than just using the quote without any credit?

 

[bravo6]

And what if these are NOT really 'famous' quotes like "I'll Be Back"?

What if these are just things that were said in conversations?

 

[FlyingRon]

If it's just something they've said that's not been used as a trademark you won't run afoul of copyright or trademark issues for the quote. However, depending on what you're doing you'll still be infringing on the celebrity's rights to protect the use of his name and likeness.