Hello, I am currently writing a short horror film about a door dasher, I know I cant use that term but can I use dasher?

Question

I want to use the term “dasher” but I don’t want to get my videos taken down for any copyright or trademark reasons. Could I use “food dasher” or is that still riding the line. I don’t intend to make any money with this short film so I don’t know if that changes the question. Some clarity would be very helpful thanks!

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

You can use the term “dasher,” but you’ll want to keep your project from looking like it’s affiliated with any real service. Even if your film is non-commercial, you could still run into complications if your usage confuses viewers about brand involvement. Stick to generic references and avoid showing official logos, color schemes, or names. 
 
Using “food dasher” is another option, though the risk remains if the reference points too closely to a well-known brand. Try using more creative wording that fits the horror tone without referencing any actual businesses. Be mindful that any online platform has policies regarding trademarked content, so you’ll want to avoid using someone else's marks too directly. 
 
You may also want to consult a legal professional for guidance on trademark use. If you keep everything generic, your film is less likely to draw unwanted attention. Think about how you frame the character and setting, focusing on your story rather than real-world branding. Whenever in doubt, lean toward creativity and avoid literal references.

Q: Hello, I am currently writing a short horror film about a door dasher, I know I cant use that term but can I use dasher?