copyright/brand names

[gnu]

This has most prob been asked before, but I am doing a project here, and wondering if brand names (e.g. on a pack of food)
are OK to paint in clearly, or do we have to fake it?
How does everyone deal with this realism issue?:rolleyes:
Thank you for response so I know what I can draw in or not...

[Maria Gusta]

Originally posted by gnu
This has most prob been asked before, but I am doing a project here, and wondering if brand names (e.g. on a pack of food)
are OK to paint in clearly, or do we have to fake it?
How does everyone deal with this realism issue?:rolleyes:
Thank you for response so I know what I can draw in or not...

I think brand names, logos, and even packaging shapes can be trademarks, and therefore protected / reserved to their owners...

[espax]

What is your project?

If your work isn't piggybacking or treading on someone else's intellectual property, then you will have no problem.

See Warhol and Campbell's soup. He just made precise yet derivative copies.

If he were selling soup, he'd have had a problem. The same goes for any implied endorsement or use of the product, or anything that makes the product look bad.

Even when you appropriate a logo directly into an artwork, it's usually no harm, no foul. For example, if I painted a picture of a baseball stadium and included a Coke billboard in the scene, no one would care.

If I painted Hitler drinking a Coke, then I might have some trouble.

[gnu]

Espax
thank you, looks like it would be OK in this case. I posted the drawing "anticipation' under pen and ink forum, for a coffee themed project, perhaps they would be flattered I use their brand :D
the comment re coke was really helpful, thank you

[CarlyHardy]

Actually espax....the case of Campbell's and Warhol is always cited as the exception where infringement on trademark was blatant and intended....and Warhol got away with it. Of course, it became sort of an honor to be infringed upon by Warhol!

carly

[AndyRichardson]

I have a related question. Can you copy a portrait that is on a sign? I'm painting an English shop entry scene, with a hanging sign and hanging flower pots. I'm kind of stumped about how realistic to make the sign..I just know that the picture in the sign will attract the most attention.

[CarlyHardy]

Andy, you really should ask permission from the shop.
carly

[Geoff]

At this rate we won't be able to paint or draw anything.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!