The happy face .. is it copy-righted?

[FinalLasttt]

thinking of starting a business
I am thinking of naming it "Happy Cleaning Service"

I want to use the

as my logo,
would I get sued?
Does anyone or any company own the rights to

 

[ironcrotch]

Yeah, I think Forrest Gump has it.

 

[MikeMike]

wtf....

MIKE

 

[Mo0o]

I think it is copyrighted, some guy actually invented the thing. Although it might be public domain by now?

 

[sygyzy]

The guy that invented it died.

 

[FinalLasttt]

Serious question.
I welcome any comments.
thanks for your input Mo0o

 

[TitanDiddly]

Some guy in Worcester invented it in the 80s.

On that note, Worcester is one of the worst cities in the US; on all levels.

 

[CraigRT]

microsoft bob?

 

[ArmenK]

My uncle had a laundry place called Happy Cleaners for about 15 years. They had a happy face on their hangers. Didn't have any trouble as far as I know.

 

[FinalLasttt]

Thanks ArmenK
Now to get the business license.

 

[ProviaFan]

The happy face used in Fusetalk is copyrighted by the Fusetalk people, so you can't use that. However, if you were to make your own happy face, I don't see why it wouldn't be a problem (just make sure it doesn't resemble the Walmart happy face too closely).