Q: Would the name Kimpossible (all one word)be a copyright infringement?
My name is Kim. I have a friend who has called me Kimpossible for years. I want to start a YouTube channel called Kitchen Kimpossible.
A:
Using the name "Kimpossible" could potentially raise concerns with Disney, as it is closely associated with their popular animated character and show "Kim Possible." Trademark law protects distinctive names, especially in cases where they are strongly tied to a well-known brand. While your name is Kim and your friend has called you "Kimpossible" for years, this doesn't automatically give you the right to use it in a commercial context.
Adding "Kitchen" to the name as "Kitchen Kimpossible" may help, but it still carries a risk, since the core name remains closely connected to the existing trademark. Trademarks like this one are protected even in different industries if there's a likelihood of confusion or if the name is highly recognizable.
It might be best to consider a variation that keeps the personal feel but avoids potential legal issues. You could consult with an attorney if you want to fully understand the risks before moving forward with your channel.
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.
