Copyright question - Products/brands in spots

[Randy Lahey]

I have a client that is an isp provider, and they're promoting an easier way to check your usage limits. One of the spots basically says "just downloaded a Microsoft Word update, and need to know what your usage is like, go to..." (obviously it was written better than that).

Anyways, my question is can a client that is has no affiliation with Microsoft use their name/product in a spot?

I have another client with a spot promoting a conference, where you can learn among other things, "Microsoft Sharepoint." In this example, it seems they have some sort of affiliation with Microsoft, but we have no way of knowing if they actually do, and if Microsoft is okay with this.

In those first 2 examples I have a feeling they should not air like that, as they are breaking copyright laws. My next example although similar, I have a feeling is alright...


Electronic stores (Best Buy etc) always mention brand names/prices. I assume the company would want their company mentioned as it's free advertizing for them. Sometimes it would be sharecost if it's a "Sony sale" or something, but with small companies, I've heard spots naming off 5-10 different brands in one spot.

What are the rules/laws, when it comes to naming/brands in spots?

I'm Canadian, but I imagine our laws regarding this would be similar.

 

[PTBoardOp94]

I'm no expert on the law, but I know that national spots from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (makers of Advil) sometimes refer to Tylenol or Aleve in a not-so-flattering way. The spots always end with "Tylenol is a registered trademark of McNeil Pharmaceuticals." I've got to think that if a major national advertiser like Wyeth can do that, so can your conference.