Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Arizona

I would like to use a "state" name in a crochet pattern chart. example : Alabama

That would be the chart but the word would be graphed out so people could crochet it. I want to post these patterns each with a different state name on it. Post for free on my website so others can use it for personal use, etc....

Is there any law trademark or copyright that would prohibit me from creating such things? I checked the trademark off and they said I need to ask a lawyer. I checked the copyright office and you can't copyright a name only the work the name is in. Since it is a state name I thought it would be like using "walt disney" or something trademarked.


Asked on 11/20/10, 1:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Donald W. Hudspeth The Law Offices of Donald W. Hudspeth, P.C.

I am sure we could research this issue to determine what limitations there would be on the use of state names on quilts. There are some immediately foreseeable possible problems: to use your example, the name "Alabama", when printed in a specific font, refers to the musical group by the same name. See their website at http://www.thealabamaband.com/ for multiple examples of the font. Should you inadvertently use a style of font which arguably infringes on others' intellectual property, you might run into trouble with them. Contact us if you are interested in having us research this issue and advise you.

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Answered on 11/29/10, 10:50 am


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