Copyright question

[Lane123]

I have an image that has a sign of the Chevrolet emblem in the lower corner of it. It is not the subject of the image, but none the less, it is in the image & I am unable to remove it and keep the same feel to the image. My question is am I crossing the line on copyright laws because the emblem is in the image? Any input is appreciated.

[groovyone]

Unless you are using the emblem itself to make money I haven't heard of anyone having issues. I have seen where Ford, GM and Chrysler have sued groups using the emblem on things like t-shirts and posters. What do you plan on doing with the image?

[Lane123]

Hi Keith. There is a local city contest that I thought I would enter it in just for fun. The image is one that I took at a rodeo a year or so ago and just love the feel to it. There is a sign on the chute with the Chevy emblem on it but like I mentioned, it is not the subject of the image. I know there are all kinds of images taken at sports events (especially baseball) that show the sponsors name/trademark etc. and they do not seem to have any problem with it. I didn't know if this was kind of the same thing & I just don't want to cross any lines as far as copyright issues.

[groovyone]

I am no lawyer, but I am pretty sure you'd be fine. If you could ask the contest hosts that may be best, just to be sure.

[Lane123]

Thank you very much Keith. I am going by today with the picture but thought I would throw it out here to see if I should even bother taking it in. Thank you again for your feedback and opinion!

[kenw]

If the logo is an incidental part of your image it PROBABLY (saying that because I am not a copyright lawyer) falls under fair use. Leave it in and go for it.

[TxTowman]

I don't think think chevy will mind the free plug, that's why they paid for the sign in the first place.

[Nikonfan]

This reminded me of a Kevin Spacey movie. I can't remember which movie it was, but he was driving a Lexus SUV. The emblem on the fron was reversed so that the L was backwards. I assumed that it was to avoid copyright issues. Since then, I always notice cars and I have yet to see another movie that has done this or removed the emblem.

Totally random and off topic but does anyone ever notice that in EVERY movie with a car scene, the headrests are always removed? Sorry, I'm kind of ADD at times.

[PHOTO-DA]

Ok you should be fine and it is a TRADEMARK not a Copyright that you would be violating but since you are not trying to re-create it by use of photography there should be no problem. Now if you had X-rated Nudity say on a car and the symbol was in the shot then they may come after you since they would say that you are putting their trademark in an indecent or uncomplementary situation.

[Lane123]

Thanks everyone! I checked with the hosts as Keith suggested and they said that it was not a problem. I really appreciate the input! Have a great weekend!