#1
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Copyright question...
Is a saying from a TV show copyright material? Let's say you have a TV show with a phrase that was fairly well known for that show. Could you base the name of an instrumental on that phrase, or would a phrase like that be copyrighted? I understand slogans can be copyrighted, but I'm not sure if phrases are?
As an example, back in the day there was a show called Kojak. His saying was "Who loves ya baby?" That phrase was well known and associated with that character and show. Would using that phrase be potentially a copyright issue? For the record, the above isn't the one I'm considering.
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https://www.mcmakinmusic.com |
#2
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You don't look that old.
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Waterloo WL-S, K & K mini Waterloo WL-S Deluxe, K & K mini Iris OG, 12 fret, slot head, K & K mini Follow The Yellow Brick Road |
#3
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It's going to depend on they saying you're referencing.
This is murky waters for copyright law. On one hand you cannot copyright a title (so go ahead and write your own Yesterday), but certain phrases can be a registered trademark (designated by an 'R' in a circle) or be distinctive enough to be considered a trademark (designated with just a 'TM'). In college I covered just enough copyright law to know that this is a tricky one. I would consult an entertainment lawyer if you're worried.
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-Steve 1927 Martin 00-21 1986 Fender Strat 1987 Ibanez RG560 1988 Fender Fretless J Bass 1991 Washburn HB-35s 1995 Taylor 812ce 1996 Taylor 510c (custom) 1996 Taylor 422-R (Limited Edition) 1997 Taylor 810-WMB (Limited Edition) 1998 Taylor 912c (Custom) 2019 Fender Tele |
#4
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oh...and if it has anything to do with Disney - cease & desist right now. They have a very aggressive legal team. Don't even get close to that.
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-Steve 1927 Martin 00-21 1986 Fender Strat 1987 Ibanez RG560 1988 Fender Fretless J Bass 1991 Washburn HB-35s 1995 Taylor 812ce 1996 Taylor 510c (custom) 1996 Taylor 422-R (Limited Edition) 1997 Taylor 810-WMB (Limited Edition) 1998 Taylor 912c (Custom) 2019 Fender Tele |
#5
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Ha, no, nothing Disney related. It's actually from a hit TV show from the 70s.
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https://www.mcmakinmusic.com |
#6
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It really depends on how integral the phrase is to the marketing/identity of the show. And that’s hard to comment on without knowing what show/phrase your talking about.
I’d check with a lawyer if you’re concerned. A lawyer would be able to gauge the risk. It could be anything from “you’re fine” or "the worst you’ll get us a cease & desist” all the way to “that’ll cost you several million in losses”.
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-Steve 1927 Martin 00-21 1986 Fender Strat 1987 Ibanez RG560 1988 Fender Fretless J Bass 1991 Washburn HB-35s 1995 Taylor 812ce 1996 Taylor 510c (custom) 1996 Taylor 422-R (Limited Edition) 1997 Taylor 810-WMB (Limited Edition) 1998 Taylor 912c (Custom) 2019 Fender Tele |
#7
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Trust me. I know what I'm doing.
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Breedlove, Landola, a couple of electrics, and a guitar-shaped-object |
#8
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"Who Loves You Baby?" by The Four Seasons....
As others have said I'll be cautious. Just when you think nobody will chase me down for a song title....a month or two after your song drops....a nice letter from a studio attorney.
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Happy Sunsets Taylor 514ce (1999) Taylor K22ce - all Koa (2001) Taylor 612ce (2001) Taylor T5-C2 Koa (2007) Ovation CS28P KOAB - Koa Burst (2017) Paul Reed Smith 305 - Sunburst (2012) Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 - Autumn Sky (2013) Fender Classic Player 60s Strat - Sonic Blue (2012) Roland Juno DS76 (2020) |
#9
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The show is Hawaii Five-0 and the term is "Book 'em Danno!" So, what do you think?
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https://www.mcmakinmusic.com |
#10
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You forgot "Murder One"....not that there's anything wrong with that!
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Bob https://on.soundcloud.com/ZaWP https://youtube.com/channel/UCqodryotxsHRaT5OfYy8Bdg |
#11
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Quote:
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Rick Ruskin Lion Dog Music - Seattle WA |