Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California

I have a TV show idea, but it is based on a website that I have found and have become a part of. My idea for the show would be called the same name as the site or something similar and we actually use the site in the episodes along with philosophies etc. the wesite would benefit from this, but I don't have any ties with the organization. Do I need to get permission from the site to use the name and philosophies in order to go further with my idea before even presenting to a network?


Asked on 9/28/09, 7:59 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Keith E. Cooper Keith E. Cooper, Esq.

Yes, and you would need permission from the copyright holder to show images of the site on TV. It is probable that the site owners would want to be paid for the use of the site and its name. And be aware that because you do not own the site, it would be relatively easy for a network or the site owners to proceed with a series based on your idea without involving you.

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Answered on 9/28/09, 8:26 pm
Gordon Firemark Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark

Yes. Don't proceed without first striking a deal with the owner of the site. Otherwise, you could have big trouble.

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Answered on 9/28/09, 9:37 pm
Seshadri Srinivasan www.lawconcern.com

Better to avoid the same name as a website belonging to another.

After all the show is yours and when the show becomes a hit you will have a name that actually belongs to another!

Do get permission from the website as you will be free of any troubles later on. But do not give full details of your show as they might try to use it !

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Answered on 10/05/09, 5:08 am


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