Is it illegal to use a logo (i.e. the dodge logo) without their permission? We have a dodge club, and would like to make up stickers for our trucks, someone posted that it was illegal to use the ram logo in our club’s logo. Is this true?
See link for what I mean.
http://www.dodgetruckworld.com/gallery/Dakota007/88934.jpg
Thanks!
The Dodge Ram logo is trademarked and it is illegal for you to use it without permission. Since trademark law requires the owner to defend the mark in order to keep it, you will definitely get a legal nastygram from Dodge if they notice your use because just letting you slide would contribute to them losing their trademark.
Since you’re a fan group and would use the mark in a complimentary way, you might be able to get permission to use the mark in certain ways. In various events I’ve worked with, I’ve noticed that Dodge in particular is very forthcoming with sponsorship materials and fairly liberal in the use of their mark, so it’s not out of the question that they have a standard form letter for granting you limited permission to use the mark for your club. I’d inquire at your local dealership. The dealer is not able to grant you permission, but if they know you they might be able to forward your request and argue on your behalf where just sending an email request would result in a blanket refusal.