Copyright / Trademark questions about Sayings / Mottos / Slogans

[Superwormy]

Was just wondering about copyright and trademark rules... not even sure either applies here...

Are there laws saying you can't print certain sayings on, say, t-shirts or signs or anything like that?

For instance, if I wanted to make shirts that said " American Express, it's everywhere you want to be " could I get sued? What about other sayings, like all the geek slogans that ThinkGeek.com prints on their shirts?

 

[Superwormy]

anyone know?

 

[pulse8]

Link

 

[filmmaker]

Originally posted by: pulse8
Link

Yep... that'll do it!

 

[911paramedic]

Lots of people got sued over the "Priceless" pics.

 

[Encryptic]

Originally posted by: Superwormy
Was just wondering about copyright and trademark rules... not even sure either applies here...

Are there laws saying you can't print certain sayings on, say, t-shirts or signs or anything like that?

For instance, if I wanted to make shirts that said " American Express, it's everywhere you want to be " could I get sued? What about other sayings, like all the geek slogans that ThinkGeek.com prints on their shirts?

Well, if you were clearly copying American Express' name and slogan, I can certainly see that you would get sued. However, if you were making a spoof or parody shirt, then you would be protected under free speech laws as far as I know (e.g. the Mastercard "Priceless" parody ads).