Logo usage

[nate180co]

I am creating a sports website and I would like to use the team logos. Do I need to obtain a license to use a sports team logo on my website? I am creating a sports website and I would like to use the team logos. There are over 100 NCAA logos and over 100 pro logos. Would I need to obtain a license from each team? I am NOT manufacturing anything to sell (clothing, hats, etc.). I would plan on including the disclaimer on my website that all logos belong to the school and in no way does this website represent the school.

 

[Latigo]

Copyright infringement

You really need to ask whether people that have millions invested in copyrighted material would be indifferent to your unauthorized use of that material?

I suggest before launching into the enterprise that you have a look at the "No Electronic Theft Act of 1997" (NetAct) 17 USC 506 et seq, which makes it a felony to reproduce or distribute copies of copyrighted works electronically regardless of whether the defendant had a profit motive? With or sans disclaimers.

The maximum punishment is only five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.

 

[nate180co]

Thanks for the reply. First of all, I'm not an attorney. Second, i'm doing this with 4 others and none of us know this question so obviously it seems like a legit question. So, yes, we "really need to ask whether people that have millions...". Lastly, I have heard if the information is for informational use only (i.e. press releases) then you don't need to get a license. Anyone can do a search on a team and the logo will come up on thousands of websites. Wikipedia is one just as an example. Does that mean these websites (allegedly) obtained a license?

 

[Latigo]

Thanks for the reply. First of all, I'm not an attorney. Second, i'm doing this with 4 others and none of us know this question so obviously it seems like a legit question. So, yes, we "really need to ask whether people that have millions...". Lastly, I have heard if the information is for informational use only (i.e. press releases) then you don't need to get a license. Anyone can do a search on a team and the logo will come up on thousands of websites. Wikipedia is one just as an example. Does that mean these websites (allegedly) obtained a license?

You want to know how "thousands of web sites" may have skirted copyright laws and/or obtained licenses to display copyrighted material?

I tell you what. You take the first one thousand. I'll grab a cup of coffee.