Question about legality
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 by 3java3 | Discussion: Curtains
Hello. I am working on a curtains skin called, "Showtime". Is there a problem using the Lakers logo such as..... ?? 
if so, then there would be no point uploading it, and will have to rethink and redo the skin, or change it into something else, or something.
Please advise. Thanks!
Reply #2 Tuesday, December 5, 2023 1:26 PM
Copyright and trademark infringement are the issues, and they are both bad news. Although you may or may not get their attention until you are making money, not making money doesn't make it any more legal or prevent you from getting sued.
Contact the organization and see if they have a "fan-kit" of materials they let third parties use for fan-sites, or fan art.
This is not meant to be taken as professional legal advice. Professional sports teams protect their trademarked, and not legally trademarked stuff with phenomenal zealousness.
As a gallery Moderator, I hate dealing with sports, etc. logo stuff and almost always seek Jafo's opinion on the issue.
Reply #3 Friday, December 8, 2023 1:26 PM
I have contacted the Lakers organization to ask them about my fan creation. It is very likely that they will ignore my email. So it will probably just be for my own use only. I may copy and modify the theme and repurpose it for some other idea in the future. Maybe it's just as well. The Lakers have a lot of haters, lol! Doesn't bother me in the least. After all, it's only a ball game, not a medical emergency.
Reply #4 Friday, December 8, 2023 7:17 PM
More than likely they will NOT "ignore your email". The most protective and litigious entities on this planet are the US sports teams. [although the IOC is also up there].
Their team trademark will only be used with their consent, no matter what the reason or whether commercial or not.
In the past there has been some sport-related works On Wincustomize...but all were with explicit consent....
Reply #5 Wednesday, December 27, 2023 11:06 AM
So far I have not heard back from them. So, it will be for my own use only. However, I have edited and modified it, and have changed it to a more "generic" theme, but still basketball related.
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
Reply #1 Tuesday, December 5, 2023 12:22 PM
Just my opinion, but if it's a free Curtains skin, it should not be a problem. Might wait for an answer from someone at Stardock to answer your question though.