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Copyright question regarding sports teams?

December 27th, 2012 4 comments

I have an embroidery business. I make blankets with pictures and peoples names on it.

I know that I can put "Go Seattle" on the blanket
Can I put "Go Mariners?" "Seattle Mariners" "Ichiro #51"
Can I use the team colors?
How about the font?

I have no intention of playing with NFL, NBA, MLB lawyers! I just want to sell blankets!!

You’d probably need to license the fonts, colors and team names from the specific teams. Obviously, sports related items command a good price and the teams know this so they’ll charge you a premium (probably hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars).

You can probably get away with "Go Mariners!" or something like that, but to use the whole package (team name, colors and font) you’re running into trademark territory. Stick with something simple such as above, "Go Mariners!" or player names/numbers and possibly add the team colors too. I wouldn’t try to replicate the entire "look" the team has going by copying the font, color, logo and everything. Basically, use just enough so that fans will know it’s a football blanket (team colors and a "Go Mariners!" sort of thing), but not so much that you’re infringing on their trademark.

If you’re really worried about it, contact a lawyer who deals in trademark law. Most lawyers will give you a free consultation so you can ask them a quick question and explain what you have planned.

Good luck!