Chicago, IL asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Illinois

Q: Hello! I am a freelance journalist who will be starting a regular column with an independent website.

I'd like to title my column "7upandwine" and have a correspondinge website "7upandwine.com" -- Would including "7up" in my column name and website open me up to legal response? For example does it infringe on some kind of copyright law? I'd eventually like to syndicate this column, so I want to be sure to be thoughtful about this before I begin publishing. Thanks very much!

1 Lawyer Answer
Susan M Hankins
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Answered
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer
  • Peachtree Corners, GA

A: Potential Trademark violation. I would expect a response. You could ask for permission and at least display their trademark with the term 7up.

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