[Frank Otto] "Bulidings, such as Grauman's/Mann's/whoever Chinese Theater, The Flat Iron Building, The Gugginheim are copyrighed and trademarked."
otoh, check this out:
http://www.swlearning.com/blaw/cases/rock_and.html
It is all very confusing. I agree with your sentiments entirely. The use of copyright and trademark law is oppressive.
My personal example: for a documentary I wanted to illustrate the concept that American culture has world-wide impact. Some corporations were happy to help, and sent me images of their products being used by ordinary people around the world. But one corporation sent me a letter threatening legal action if I used a shot of a man in China wearing a sweatshirt with their cartoon figure on it. It worked; I didn't use the shot. Who needs trouble? But I sure won't be going to their amusement parks anytime soon....
I've suggested this before for the COW, but I would still love to see a forum on law as it relates to filmmaking. We need a place to pool our knowledge. Is there such a forum anywhere?
-- BC
