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Can you sell a book about a TV show legally?

by 01123581321345589144
7 replies
Can you sell an ebook on a TV show? Obviously they hold the rights. I don't think you can just sell a Star Wars mug and it not be illegal, since you don't own that company. Like could you make and sell an Unofficial Guide to a TV show? How do you go about getting legal permission and avoiding a law suit? :confused: I've tried contacting the companies directly and I'm just wondering if anyone on here has any clue. Thanks
#book #legally #sell #show
  • Profile picture of the author AdRock91
    I would talk to a lawyer just to make sure you are not violating any copyright.
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  • Profile picture of the author Isaiah Coe
    Yes it's illegal without the consent of the copyright owner. But still allot of people do it.
    It's sorta like j-walking in the street. If your making a book and it's get's really popular they will, most likely, come after you for ownership rights. Because it's a guide I wouldn't worry about it.
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    • Profile picture of the author stoltingmediagroup
      Originally Posted by Isaiah Coe View Post

      Because it's a guide I wouldn't worry about it.
      It's a legal question and I would not necessarily give that type of advice in here my friend. If it was my TV show, and it was your eBook, my lawyers would be all over you. Just saying.
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  • Profile picture of the author jacktackett
    Why not contact the producer of the show and get some information, all they can say is no. Ask if they'll give you permission or sell you non exclusive rights. Who knows, they may like the idea and appreciate the interest. It would help them too by showing the studio there is still interest in the show. Doesn't cost anything to ask.
    Good luck.
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    You most definitely need permission to do anything like that because the tv shows name would likely be trademarked and if you were using that name in the title of a book you were selling for profit, you are making money off of their trademark and that's exactly what trademark law exists for. To stop that happening.

    Don't go there sister.
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    • Profile picture of the author 01123581321345589144
      Originally Posted by WillR View Post

      You most definitely need permission to do anything like that because the tv shows name would likely be trademarked and if you were using that name in the title of a book you were selling for profit, you are making money off of their trademark and that's exactly what trademark law exists for. To stop that happening.

      Don't go there sister.
      That's probably a good idea... too messy and any lawyer I could get would be nothing compared to whatever the TV show company had in their arsenal and I'd be charged with god knows what in addition to being asked for a boat load of cash as compensation.

      Thanks everyone for your responses.
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      • Profile picture of the author WillR
        Originally Posted by 01123581321345589144 View Post

        That's probably a good idea... too messy and any lawyer I could get would be nothing compared to whatever the TV show company had in their arsenal and I'd be charged with god knows what in addition to being asked for a boat load of cash as compensation.

        Thanks everyone for your responses.
        It's not to say you can't do it. All we are saying is you would need to gain permission before doing it.
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