I just got sued by Ken Burns

I don’t think it’s an issue of trademark.

In most states, you can be sued for using someone else’s name, likeness, or other personal attributes without permission for an exploitative purpose.

With regard to use of a name, it does not have to be a full or formal name, just something that is sufficient to identify the plaintiff. Using a well-known nickname can suffice.

Changing the name of the product would fix it I presume. This thread does highlight some interesting points though!

I hope you manage to get it sorted without any further legal problems!

there are so many ken burns effects on these marketplaces, is he going to come after all of them? Can’t target one and not the other surely…

You could in fact argue that you are promoting him for free…

themebros said
Hope John Doe doesn’t get the same idea as Ken did.

Haha. That would be amazing.

RubenBristian said
Apparently i made bad use of the guy’s name in advertising my product..what?!

If I was Ken Burns, it would put a smile on my face for people mentioning me. But hey, thats just me.

There are lots of directors that used the same effect in some of the best Hollywood blockbusters. Usually in the opening credits, for sure Ken would honored if Ken’s name was used there.

Good luck Ruben!

Hope this is all gonna go away for you, like usually happens in these cases

readactor said
and i doubt a common name can be a trademark.

“Donald Trump” is a common name. It’s also a brand now.

PixelBin said

readactor said
and i doubt a common name can be a trademark.

“Donald Trump” is a common name. It’s also a brand now.

in your country [of all opportunities, right? :d]. in mine isn’t. the laws i [need to] respect are those from my country.

few years ago (i remember from news), Microsoft had a legal issue with a guy who bought a domain name call “microsoft” but with his country extension. Microsoft try to call in justice on that guy, but till Microsoft wasn’t registered like trademark in THAT country, was nothing to do. Yes, they registered after, and the guy was forced to disable the domain.

but, course, we just talks. those aren’t legal advices.

If this isn’t allowed to use the name, how come Apple can use ‘Ken burns effect’ in iMovie?

Isn’t this the same?

I would love for you to post the response you receive from Support just to learn about this

cause apple has a crap load of money..

are you in jail yet?

wiseguys said
are you in jail yet?

im sure he is not