Comments on: I believe in pink

By: Brittany

Brittany — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:58:45 +0000

I’d say you can definitely reproduce it, as long as you don’t claim you said it. I always wonder, though, how could Audrey Hepburn have said soooooo many quotes in her life? Having a conversation with her must have been ridiculous.

By: Nathan Snell

Nathan Snell — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:51:06 +0000

p.s. I like your design work to the quote

By: Nathan Snell

Nathan Snell — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:39:50 +0000

When it comes to quotes or phrases that are relatively unique, they can be trademarked. You can check to see if a particular quote or phrase is trademarked by checking the USPTO. Chances are if it’s not on there, it’s not trademarked and you are thus able to sell it as a shirt.

If you plan to use an image with the quote that is from someone else (for example, the one presented above) then of course that would be copyright infringement. Unless you receive expressed written consent.

In the event that you do have an over site and miss that the quote was trademarked, it’s likely unlikely that the original “owner” of the quote will notice it unless it gets into large stores like Sears. Assuming the owner does, chances are they will just send a cease and desist letter. If they’re particularly unkind, they may try to sue you for punitive damages, recovering whatever profits you made from their quote (unlikely this will happen to you as often times it will cost them more in legal fees than what will be returned. Or they don’t have the time or money to take away from their company).

All that said, if you’re thinking of selling some shirts. I’d just do your diligence and then go for it! I love new products/company ideas and such. If it’s unique, it can certainly render great results, too (VCWear is a good example).

Hope that helps!

By: lfar

lfar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:14:55 +0000

Noooo idea, but I feel that properly credited should be legal.

That said, this quote irks me because people who are already sad should hardly be told they’re also not pretty.

By: Leanne

Leanne — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:41:36 +0000

I’m no expert on copyrights, but if this was on a print or a T-shirt, I would definitely buy it!

By: Diana

Diana — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:58:09 +0000

I assumed that if you name the person who did the quote, then it is allowed. Not sure - would love to hear your answers.

By: michelle and the city

michelle and the city — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:00:45 +0000

i always wonder about stuff like this. let me know what you find out!

By: rachel

rachel — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:59:44 +0000

i think these girls have the right idea. do some research on this to make sure you can use it… but i don’t see a huge problem with using the quote as long as you credit it…. that poster would be really cool. make them

By: courtney

courtney — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:56:23 +0000

if the quote is actually registered with the copyright office, you have to get permission to use it. i doubt, though, that it is. i’m not sure how to conduct that search, but you might be able to find the information you’re looking for at http://www.copyright.gov.

also, just google the word “copyright” and there is an incredible amount of information. i’m betting it wouldn’t be hard to find the answer that way.

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-fairuse.html

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Copyright-Patents-915/Copyrights-quotes-1.htm

By: Angela

Angela — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:41:27 +0000

Oh, that’s darling.