Possible stupid question :)

[michc]

Are there any restrictions on using places names on items for example 'present from Edinburgh' etc?
Thanks in advance
Michele

[arko]

Simple answer is NO.... there are no restrictions whatsoever! Places and place names belong to the people. No-one can make claim a right to own the sole right of a place name.

[michc]

Excellent, what about an event name and the organisers name? For example a classic scramble event organised by SCRMC?

[arko]

On this occasion if the event name is copyrighted and/or associated with a logo then you wouldnt be allowed to unless you get permission.

[michc]

Thank you :) what if I didn't use the organisers name? is it possible to find out if the event name was copyrighted? I wasn't intending to put their logo on and could do something that doesn't include their name but don't want to upset them!

[arko]

Still applies as the event was "created" by someone who would theoretically own the rights to the event and all that goes with it. Even if he didnt own/control the rights to the event, it would be advisable and polite to contact them to see if there would be any objection. It also boils down to what type of event it is.... is it run by a local authority?...is it private?.... etc etc etc. I would make a few enquiries first so that you dont get bitten. Once you have all the info regarding who organizes the event and controls it, etc Im sure there are a few more very much more intelligent and clued-up members here who will help clarify everything for you. ;)

[arko]

Try contacting them here.... http://www.classicscramble.com/contacts.html

[michc]

Thank you, appreciate the responses :) it's clarified things a bit and I can modify my ideas.
I did give them a donation before when i sold items at an event but I hadn't used the name of the event or the organisers name, just photos of riders my partner had taken but it's a limited market and photos are from previous events so you can't guarantee they'll sell. Looking to do something more generic and appeal to a wider audience (spectators etc) so possibly best to contact them and see what they say :)

[arko]

Well, I hope that helped a bit. What I have just told you is easy enough to find on this site as there are quite a few discussions on copyright etc. Its a very dodgy area to get involved in if you do not know what you are doing so always err on the side of caution. I hope you get what you are looking to achieve.

[michc]

Thank you, yes caution is the watchword I think :)

[pisquee]

If it their event name that you are profitting from, then surely it is only fair/right that they deserve a cut of your profits - I would be looking down the route of doing a deal where you print official merchandise, and so get to use their branding/logo/name etc, and then it's either a profit share, or they buy the goods from you wholesale and they sell themselves.
Either way, best to approach them from this kind of angle, and pitch it as a way that they can monetise their event more.