Indiana Jones - Name is trademarked

Robert Duke · Post by **Robert Duke** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 11:47 am

I recently learned that the name Indiana Jones is trademarked by Paramount Studios and George Lucas.
Does that mean people can get sued for using his name for commercial purposes without permission from Paramount & Lucas?

Mr. Das · Post by **Mr. Das** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 12:46 pm

What are you planning on doing? A public appearance would get you in trouble. Comic Cons and stuff like that are for fun and no one makes money off you wearing your gear.

But if it's just the name that worries you. Selling a hat and saying it's Indiana Jones' is bad. Saying it's similar to what Indy would wear is okay, but Paramount won't appreciate any similarities.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 1:22 pm

That is correct. Lucasfilm doesn't seem to mind if you wander around dressing like any of their created characters, but the minute it appears you're attempting to make a dime off of the name, look out. They have some pretty nasty lawyers. Why do you think the FS Expedition is CALLED the Expedition? You sure don't see Indy's name connected in any way, though you can sure figure out who and what it's based on. Wings and of course Wested CAN use it, as Wested owns the patterns, and Wings were the only officially licensed US manufacturer of jackets by Lucasfilm. Yep, it's a quagmire out there when you actually use the 'name' in connection with any structured sale. Regards. Michaelson

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 1:39 pm

I just wonder how they feel about all these "Indianas" running around.

With this little factoid, I wonder why they don't keep a tighter fist around the neck of E-Bay for folks trying to sell hats as "Just like the ones worn in Indiana Jones" when they don't even look proper.

Cabinetman · Post by **Cabinetman** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 1:46 pm

Those who are selling the DP would be in the clear, would they not?

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 1:48 pm

eBay sales DO get shut down now and again, but after the heat is off, it's business as usual. Regards. Michaelson

Shtick · Post by **Shtick** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 10:46 pm

I just wonder how they feel about all these "Indianas" running around.

I wonder what they think of hordes of stormtroopers.

JerseyJones · Post by **JerseyJones** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 10:46 pm

Look,

As one of the bottom-feeders of the world (read : Lawyer) I can tell you that the LAST thing you want is a Cease and Desist Order from Lucasfilm, Paramount or anyone else.

We shouldn't be bootlegging anything licensed BUT GL, SS et. al. realize that being a little relaxed about it makes paying customers (read US) very happy to be indy junkies, so they let it go. To a point.

But I assure you that if you take it too far for any commerical purpose, specifically selling 1000's of the official "Indiana Jones Pencil Sharpener" they will eventually get peeved and shut you down with lawyers and stuff.

Not fun. I'd take the opened Ark any day over civil litigation and I do it for pay ! Ugh !

Ken

Indiana Janice · Post by **Indiana Janice** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 8:19 am

What if your last name is Jones and you name your son Indiana? Will they sue you and make you change your sons name? What if you son, who's name happens to be Indiana Jones is selling his hat? Is it not an Indiana Jones hat?

Janice

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 8:37 am

Watch out for the jaws of Lucasfilm on this one.

Although George is a star, wars have broken out over less.

When a small minority report such breaches of copyright, George's legal empire strikes back.

My pal Ryan had such an experience, and he liked to keep himself to himself. We had a heck of a job saving private Ryan, let me tell ya.

Al

Indiana Janice · Post by **Indiana Janice** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 8:42 am

I shut down my prop "store" because of the C&D's going around when MR started up. Lucasfilm is not to be messed with.

Janice

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 8:44 am

Lucasfilm is not to be messed with

Do not underestimate the power of the dark side.

Shtick · Post by **Shtick** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 9:51 am

Wait, wait, wait!

There's an Indiana Jones pencil sharpener!?!?!?

Gater · Post by **Gater** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 9:57 am

"What if your last name is Jones and you name your son Indiana? Will they sue you and make you change your sons name? What if you son, who's name happens to be Indiana Jones is selling his hat? Is it not an Indiana Jones hat?"

Well Janice, if we just look at the recent court case where some guy named Spike sued to prevent TNN fron changing to Spike TV because he claims that (although there are HUNDREDS of people named Spike) that they were cashing in on his EXTREME reputation and his coolness (like he's some Puffy Puff of Wheat Combs or sumthin). Now, I personally have NEVER watched ANYTHING from Spike Lee, and quite frankly, the few interviews I have endured make him to be a self-righteous, pompous jerk, yet with shows like Miami Vice, and the Weekend Power Block, I LOVE TNN/Spike TV..and no low-budget wannabe film maker is gunna influence my viewing the channel one way or another.

Perhaps naming your kid Indiana Jones is an infringement itself (??) and lawyers could force you to change the kids name (?) if you or he were to try to profit from it.

By court order, Adam West hadda stop going to conventions dressed as BatMan.

I don't think Lucas is evil, by any means, and I understand him protecting his investments and property. I do feel that as long as Magnoli, Acme and the likes are providing desired items that are not OFFERED through a licenced Lucasfilm distributor, perhaps leniency is warranted.

But to name your kid Indiana Jones? Hard to say where that one could lead...other than the occasional whoopin on the playground.

Shtick · Post by **Shtick** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 10:04 am

Well, a guy in the military legally changed his name to Optimus Prime. No reprecussions there (at least not legal ones.

)

Mr. Das · Post by **Mr. Das** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 10:31 am

As long as you don't make money, change your name. Do you plan on changing your name to Indy Jones and then set up a booth at the local mall with a sign, "Meet Indiana Jones for only $10.00"?

Selling it as Indiana Jones hat(if that's your name) might be okay. Selling it as the Harrison Ford Indy might not be okay. People name their kids after celebs or their favourite character in movies all the time.

Optimus Prime was pretty funny. I also heard someone changed their name to PS2.

JerseyJones · Post by **JerseyJones** » Fri Nov 14, 2003 3:14 pm

Hmm... TM/copyrighted term as a proper name.

Oh you just HAD to add to my $&%@&# research pile didn't you all !!!?

Ken

Indiana · Post by **Indiana** » Mon Nov 17, 2003 3:52 pm

Indiana Janice wrote:What if your last name is Jones and you name your son Indiana? Will they sue you and make you change your sons name? What if you son, who's name happens to be Indiana Jones is selling his hat? Is it not an Indiana Jones hat?

Janice

Hey dont laugh!! I few years ago I saw a name in the paper where they list peoples birthdays, and guess what his name was? INDIANA JONES!!! I was like

no way!!! I want that name

Im serious!
Regards,
Indiana

Indiana Texas-girl · Post by **Indiana Texas-girl** » Mon Nov 17, 2003 6:25 pm

Indiana, was that on July 1st when you saw the name in the newspaper?