What can or can't be printed on merchandise???

[YMW]

How do I find out if certain things can or can't be printed on merchandise?
I don't mean the obvious copyright/trademark protected items but things like catch phrases, lines from songs or films etc

I know that Little Britain lawyers chase up anyone selling t shirts with any of their catchphrases but not sure about others.

There seems to be a grey area when things aren't trademarked or copywritten but fall under 'intellectual rights'.

It is confusing :?

ANy advice or a point in the right direction would be appreciated!

[Antonia @limeone.com]

In the same way as logos and trademarks are protected under the law of Intellectual property the same goes with phrases and catchphrases in some cases.

You need to check this out using the US and UK patent sites, let me know if you need the links.

[YMW]

Thank you for your reply. Do you know if this include lines out of films and tv character names?

[DuaneJackson]

You might want to take a look at sites like www.cafepress.com that let you print your own stuff.

I'd expect that somewhere on their site they would have info on what you can and cannot print.

[bwglaw]

I recommend you get advice from someone qualified such as Crossguard, who is a member here. His email is mail@crossguard.info. He specialises in Intellectual Property i.e. Copyright/Design/Trademarks etc

Jonathan