Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

Re: Quoting a CEO on website

No body owns the public comments they make. The legal departments that are harrassing you, are simply trying to pressure you. Ask to see his copyright of his quote. Otherwise it is now in the public domain. You can use it. Don't be intimidated.

Re: Quoting a CEO on website

I believe the other response is correct to the extent of the quote; however, I would exercise more caution based on using the tradename of the company to promote your own business as there may be potential for liablity there.

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Re: Quoting a CEO on website

I too would advise a little more caution. Even if you are right, defending a lawsuit could wipe you out. There is such a thing as common-law copyright that protects original creative works that have not yet been put in a fixed medium, and no registration is required (or possible). It is not at all clear that the complaints against you are legally groundless.