Los Angeles, CA asked in Copyright and Trademark for California

Q: Can we use the term 'Craigslist' in a title for a tv show concept?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Robert P. Cogan
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Answered
  • Trademarks Lawyer
  • San Diego, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: No.

Actually, all the facts need to be known to see if a legal justification could be supported. However, you could still face signficant legal expense if Craigslist decided to sue you.

Bharath Konda
Bharath Konda
Answered
  • Trademarks Lawyer
  • Minneapolis, MN

A: You cannot use "craigslist" in a title for TV show concept. Craigslist website is an established and well-known website for advertising goods and services. You may cause costumer confusion as to the "association" of the brand craigslist. Creating false association is a violation of lanham act. If you want further analysis, you can hire an intellectual property attorney. Once your TV show gets publicized with "craigslist" word in it, you will most probably get sued. Risk is too high for this type of association with a well-known brand with out any license.

Disclaimer: The response is general in nature and cannot be construed as legal advise. If you would like to have legal advise, then please consult any competent intellectual property attorney privately to discuss your case and establish proper attorney-client relationship. If you have any further questions on general trademark matters, please check my answers to the recent questions at https://affordabletrademarkattorney.com/trademark-faqs/

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