Using a big brand in a sketch

[dmitrizigany]

Hey!

I have an idea for a little sketch. But it needs to use a big brand... Can use them in comedy sketches (it makes fun of it a bit)? What about the logo? What if you change one letter in the name? What's the deal here? It's a just for fun project... But don't want to be chased by their lawyers

 

[David W. Richardson]

If you don't want to risk being "chased by their lawyers", then ask them for permission.

"Making fun of them a bit" could mean anything. If they feel it's harmful or detrimental to their brand, then you will be hearing from their lawyers.

Logos are generally registered trademarks and cannot be used without permission.

All things considered, you might be better off creating a fictitious company and logo that is clearly meant to represent a major company. "Reunited Airlines". "Hurts Car Rental". "Dullstate Insurance". Or something better.

Good luck!

 

[Paul F]

Read up on 'fair use' and libel and then decide what to do. Making a parody of a product or company is mostly protected. Copyrighted material can also be used under fair use laws.