Asked in Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for Nevada

Q: Can I use royalty free car photos in my game if I blure out the logos and other trademarks of the brand?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: Using royalty-free car photos in your game, even with blurred logos and trademarks, requires careful consideration of copyright and trademark laws. While blurring the logos and trademarks might reduce the risk of direct trademark infringement, it does not automatically clear legal hurdles, especially if the car models are still recognizable.

Copyright law protects the overall design and appearance of the cars, not just the logos and trademarks. If the cars are distinctive and easily recognizable, using them without permission could potentially lead to copyright infringement claims, even if the trademarks are not visible.

Therefore, it's prudent to either obtain explicit permission from the car manufacturers for using their car designs in your game or to use generic or fictional car designs that do not resemble any real-world vehicles.

It's also advisable to consult with a legal professional who can provide specific advice based on the details of your game and the images you intend to use. They can help ensure that your use of these images aligns with legal requirements and minimizes the risk of infringement.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.