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[QUOTE=James Orr] This is my idea, or at least one of them, for developing a brand named after a character in The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

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James,thats very cool and distinctive for a logo!
good job
cheers
charliewood

I've always understood that if you weren't making money off of someone else's name, you were fine, but I'm starting to have second thoughts after hearing a few of the recent witch hunt stories; some involving guitar confiscations.

I built a guitar a while back that "remotely" resembled a commercially available model that "some people" might be familiar with. I just wanted one; always have. Now I'm afraid to play live with the thing.

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John Watkins
CNC Guitar Parts

Howard's warning is a very good one. We all want to help you out with some common sense advice. However, what rights are held in these situations can be a little tough to tease out, even for a professional IP attorney.

Blain, if you want advice related to trademarks, I can tell you from years of experience in the IP field that consulting a trademark lawyer with this question will not be as expensive as you think (couple hours work, max?) and might save you a lot of trouble down the road.

Kevin, I love that story, it shows what a thoughtful and reasonable person does when confusion does arise. That gets a "Hero" tag from me.

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"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

Oh man, I better rush out and trademark my name brand for my guitars

Thanks for everyone's opinions.

After hearing Kevin's story, I think I'm going to try and just come up with a different name.

Hmmmmmmm. Now I know this isn't going to be easy...

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Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

[QUOTE=Jim_W] I believe you'd have to distinguish your self somehow, like by including your first name, initials or something.
Ernest and Julio Gallo (the wine guys)sued their brother Joseph back in the 70's for using the Gallo name on his cheese. They won and he ended up changing the name of the cheese from Gallo to Joseph Gallo cheese.
I think the main thing here is making sure it's clear whose product you buying.

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WOW! What fine brothers they are. Suing your own brother.

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Guitars, guitars and more guitars.