Can I use Apple emojis for jewelry and t-shirts?

[imi2552]

Hi,
I am looking to start up a line that features emojis on tees and jewelry (i.e. necklaces etc.). I am not entirely sure if Apple emoji is trademarked. I don't want to get into legal trouble with Apple. Is there a way to purchase the license? I have seen clothes emblazoned with emojis all over the Internet but I am not entirely sure if the marketplace owners are legally granted the use of the emojis.

 

[quincy]

Hi,
I am looking to start up a line that features emojis on tees and jewelry (i.e. necklaces etc.). I am not entirely sure if Apple emoji is trademarked. I don't want to get into legal trouble with Apple. Is there a way to purchase the license? I have seen clothes emblazoned with emojis all over the Internet but I am not entirely sure if the marketplace owners are legally granted the use of the emojis.

imi2552, what is the name of your state or, if not in the US, what is the name of your country?

Emoji artwork copyrights are owned by the font creators.

But, for general knowledge, here is a list of Apple trademarks (the list is not all-inclusive): https://www.apple.com/legal/intellectual-property/trademark/appletmlist.html

 

[single317dad]

Here is a reference to begin what will likely be an extensive search to find the correct rights holder for the artwork you wish to use:

http://www.unicode.org/charts/fonts.html

http://www.unicode.org/charts/fonts.html

Here is a set of free emojis:

https://github.com/MorbZ/OpenSansEmoji

https://github.com/MorbZ/OpenSansEmoji

The goal of that project is to reproduce the Apple emojis in a freely distributable format. The risks of using work from that project are numerous: did the project either correctly license Apple's properties, or create its own work unique enough to be considered different from Apple's marks? Does the Apache 2.0 license grant you the right to reuse these freely available works in the manner you plan? Do any other parties have a claim to work included in the project? Among other concerns.

 

[imi2552]

imi2552, what is the name of your state or, if not in the US, what is the name of your country?

Emoji artwork copyrights are owned by the font creators.

But, for general knowledge, here is a list of Apple trademarks (the list is not all-inclusive): https://www.apple.com/legal/intellectual-property/trademark/appletmlist.html

I am in Canada. I have been able to find one person who designed emojis but he doesn't have a link to purchase for license.

 

[quincy]

I am in Canada. I have been able to find one person who designed emojis but he doesn't have a link to purchase for license.

You will want to acquire licenses to use any rights-protected emojis before investing a lot of time and money into the making and marketing of products with the emoji artwork on them.

If a rights-holder decides to take legal action against you, it will be in Canada under Canada's IP laws. Because FreeAdvice handles US law questions and legal concerns only, and there are differences in the IP laws of Canada and the US, I suggest you consult with an attorney in your area for advice that best applies to you.

The attorney you see in Canada can review your current plans and then advise you on ways to rework these plans to avoid legal problems.

Good luck.