Q: T-Shirts with AC/DC inspired logo with different letters.
Dear legal professionals,
I'm seeking legal advice regarding the production and sale of parody t-shirts inspired by the AC/DC logo. The idea originated as a joke among friends, and I'd like to create a t-shirt using a variation of the AC/DC graphic style with letters that form an Italian word.
The sales would be limited to Italy.
My main questions are:
Do I need any legal permissions or authorizations to use the AC/DC trademark and graphic style?
If permission is needed, what are the typical terms and conditions that I might expect?
Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions!
A:
First, U.S. trademark law only applies in the U.S. If you plan to only sell in Italy, then you need to seek out an Italian trademark attorney. If you plan to make the product in the U.S. and export to Italy, then the laws of both countries need to be considered.
Second, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed trademark parody law. Basically, you cannot sell a product and claim it is a "parody" anymore even if you are poking fun at the original source content. Therefore, if you want to use a trademark that piggybacks on its fame, such as the AC/DC mark, then you need to ask the owners for a license. I highly recommend hiring a competent trademark attorney to help you approach the owner to ask/negotiate a license.
1 user found this answer helpful
A:
Creating t-shirts inspired by AC/DC’s logo involves navigating trademark and copyright laws. The AC/DC logo is a protected trademark, and using a similar graphic style with different letters can still infringe on their rights. Even if your intent is parody, trademark owners can challenge your use if it causes confusion or dilutes their brand.
In Italy, while there are provisions for parody, they are limited and must meet specific criteria to be considered fair use. The parody should clearly distinguish itself from the original and not imply any official endorsement by AC/DC. However, the boundaries of what qualifies can be subjective and may lead to legal disputes.
If you decide to proceed, obtaining permission from AC/DC’s trademark holders is advisable. Typical terms might include licensing fees, restrictions on distribution, and guidelines on how the logo can be altered. Ensuring you have clear authorization can help avoid potential legal issues and protect your business.
1 user found this answer helpful
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