What's the legality behind pretending someone sponsored something?

S

ShBm

Member
I am working on a short that involves someone who is "sponsored" by big companies. Is there anything wrong with pretending, say, Toyota sponsors him? For example, he introduces himself to someone and says he's, "Ron, brought to you by Toyota." Does Toyota really have to sponsor the short for me to say that?
 
Yes there's something hugely wrong with that. Google the term "right of publicity" and you'll see that an individual (or corporation, which is a "legal" individual) has rights related to what he or she endorses, and taking that from them to use them to endorse something else, is a big no-no.
 
i say do it, they'll love the free publicity and won't care if a small filmmaker like yourself makes a reference to them. If you were making millions off your film then sure it'd be an issue otherwise go for the gusto!
 
"Go for the Gusto" if you want to close down all avenues of distribution. "Implied Endorsement" is actionable - I wouldn't do it.
 
Besides the legal issues already mentioned, the idea itself isn't original. This was done by the Art Guys over a decade a go. They were in fact actually sponsored by the various companies that had their logos attached to a couple of suits designed by Todd Oldham.

http://www.theartguys.com/SUITS.html
 
Why not just make up fictitious names & logos? That way, you can pursue the idea without legal problems. And you can have fun making up the names & logos.
 
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