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Copyright and wrestling


King Pitcos

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There's a bit of talk in another thread of pornos where people are wearing WWE title belts. In The Hangover 2, there's a bit of WWF merchandise knocking about. Obviously big Hollywood films could clear all that stuff beforehand, but I assume porn films couldn't/wouldn't. I assume that of the 14 members here who aren't involved in BritWres, there might be a lawyer. And half of you that are involved in BritWres have had experience with some sort of minor legal spat. Plus, we've all got opinions on stuff we don't really have a clue about, so anyone can chip in based on idle speculation and misremembered hearsay as well.

 

What's the legal stance on using copyrighted images in films, TV etc? The specific question I'm asking is do you need clearance from WWE to have someone in a film wearing old WWF t-shirts or displaying WWF merch -- does it make a difference if it's worn but not referenced? What about using wrestler names in dialogue? I remember on the Shaun of the Dead DVD, they were talking about how they had to get clearance from every artist that came up during the record-skimming scene.

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I don't think it is that simple. If there's someone in a 1991 Hulk Hogan t-shirt with 1980s Macho Man posters on the wall, and he ends up doing a high-school shooting, I don't think it counts as positive publicity for 2011 WWE in any way, shape or form.

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There's a bit of talk in another thread of pornos where people are wearing WWE title belts. In The Hangover 2, there's a bit of WWF merchandise knocking about. Obviously big Hollywood films could clear all that stuff beforehand, but I assume porn films couldn't/wouldn't. I assume that of the 14 members here who aren't involved in BritWres, there might be a lawyer. And half of you that are involved in BritWres have had experience with some sort of minor legal spat. Plus, we've all got opinions on stuff we don't really have a clue about, so anyone can chip in based on idle speculation and misremembered hearsay as well.

 

What's the legal stance on using copyrighted images in films, TV etc? The specific question I'm asking is do you need clearance from WWE to have someone in a film wearing old WWF t-shirts or displaying WWF merch -- does it make a difference if it's worn but not referenced? What about using wrestler names in dialogue? I remember on the Shaun of the Dead DVD, they were talking about how they had to get clearance from every artist that came up during the record-skimming scene.

 

Off topic but hopefully still some what relevant, I'm sure I recall reading there was a legal dispute over a porn film with Courtney Simpson because she wore a specific university branded outfit for a shoot and the university claimed it was a legal infringement.

 

I'm sure some one will now debunk this story :laugh:

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ok good luck with that

 

Post of the year nomination?

 

I think aslong as it doesnt make WWE looks like nobs they might let you do it, aslong as you go through the proper channels. I don't know what the legal ramifications of mentioning a wrestlers name would be, considering a lot are trademarked. Just dont go throwing the womens title in a bin on Nitro. 'Cause then you're fucked.

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