San Francisco, CA asked in Copyright and Trademark for California

Q: Is it illegal to reference celebrity names/pictures/information in a mobile app

For example, developing an application which references workout routines celebrities use to get in shape, as given by certain celeb magazines.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Karima Gulick
Karima Gulick
Answered
  • Trademarks Lawyer
  • Irvine, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: U.S. Copyright laws state that only the work’s “author” has the right to reproduce, distribute or make “derivative works” of the work. However, there are certain exceptions. Some of these exceptions are known as “fair use" which include parody and news reporting.

More details on your case are necessary for a better analysis and conclusion. Feel free to contact us so we can get more details on what exactly you're trying to do, and to see if there are any exceptions that might apply in your case.

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