Copyright

[Zak Forsman]

I've heard ... heard .... that's not actually quite the issue that people make it. If you have a Heinz 57 Ketchup bottle on the table and it's used as it normally would be - as a ketchup bottle then you don't need a release. If you use it as a murder weapon or space ship then you do need the release.

Again, that's what I've heard.

I think a lot of people cover coke can labels or use generic as a better safe than sorry type thing.

i think you're right. my understanding is that you technically need permission to lawfully use any brand, whether it's coke or star wars, but that in practice you are generally only going to get pinched if you are associating them something they don't want to be associated with. there was a time when LucasFilm was actively shutting down fan films (see: The Dark Redemption) from seeing the light of day until they saw the value they had in exciting the audience for the official prequel releases. even so, you'll notice that LucasFilm is an official sponsor on most fan film contests. with regard to Collections, there is no way they'd get in trouble for exhibiting it for free online. but I can see how if they were to license it to a cable outlet like IFC or the Sundance Channel, LucasFilm would have to be involved. Same would go for using the Jimmy Neutron brand. there is a gray area between what is legally on the books and what goes down in the real world.

but i'm no lawyer.

 

[Mattykins]

I think Jack is right. If you are using a brand as it's intended, you are fine. Like when a Toyota drives across the screen. Or if you are in a bar and there is a mastercard sign on the door.

When you start using the brand, or associating the brand with things they don't want to be associated with. Like having corona be the beer of choice at a teen party. Then you run into trouble.