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Is it ok to....

by ripley607
4 replies
Have a brand name or trademarked product as a title in a article?

Ive heard that some companies don't like this.

Anyone know?
  • Profile picture of the author KenJ
    I wouldn't mess with trademarks and company names in a headline

    I own a UK company and wouldn't like anyone messing with my brand. Even if the content was positive I want to be in control of what is happening with my company name.

    I can and do tolerate mentions in content - its a free world but for headlines I think that the possibility of search engines ranking an outsiders article on page one because of a clever title would create problems.

    Of course anyone without a company to protect this will be irrelevant.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
      I am not a lawyer but I don't see how a company could stop you using their name as long as the content follows the law otherwise. Obviously, if you are purporting to be affiliated with that company or publishing libelous content, they would have a good case against you in a lawsuit.

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      • Profile picture of the author ripley607
        Reason I asked is because I see loads of potential keywords that have product names in.

        So for example, in the case of a dyson-x15a vacuum cleaner (no such model) would it be wrong to have an article title thats says something like

        "find out why the dyson-x15a is the one to have this year"
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  • Profile picture of the author schofieldml
    Ripley,

    As far as the US there are no laws against using a brand name in a title as long as you are not trying to make it look like the article is coming from the company. However, be careful not to register a domain name as the product name. It is when you appear as if you are the company that makes the product where you can get into trouble. Also be careful with untrue slander it can come back to bite you.

    Think about it, if no one was allowed to use someone else's brand name in an advertisement to sell a product brick and mortar stores wouldn't exist. Such as a title "50% off sale on XYZ Widgets, Today only at Mike's Emporium" for an ad in the local newspaper. Also you see titles of brand names in PPC advertisements too.

    However, some affiliate programs do have rules you need to follow when it comes to brand names, so make sure you read the details of the affiliate program before you do any type of promotion.
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