"As Seen On" legalities?

[dreamache]

Obviously to increase conversions (whether it be on a landing page or something you're selling directly) "as seen on" with credbility logos will increase conversions..

I've seen plenty of web-based services boast "As seen on" logos of prominent companies like MSNBC / CNN / NY TIMES etc...

Here's my question, what is the requirement in order to legally use those logos on your promo(s)? Does running an advertising campaign on any of them qualify using the company's logo under "as seen on"?

If not, what does and what is the best way to legitimize using their logos?


(PS, I know, should probably refer to a lawyer for this, but figured I'd see if anyone knows a definitive answer here)

 

[Garrett]

Does running an advertising campaign on any of them qualify using the company's logo under "as seen on"?

Ive always been under the assumption that this is perfectly legit.

 

[Jondoe0069]

If an ad for the product/service showed on their site, it was technically seen there...

I figure they wouldn't waste their time suing you for it. If they care, they will let you know and ask you to remove their logo before wasting money trying to sue you or shut you down.

 

[AMagz]

Ive always been under the assumption that this is perfectly legit.

Same here.

As long as only it's "as seen on" and not "endorsed by"

 

[johu]

I figure they wouldn't waste their time suing you for it. If they care, they will let you know and ask you to remove their logo before wasting money trying to sue you or shut you down.

Right, because Oprah decided to nicely ask people to remove her logo and then didn't sue them anyway... wait, that's not right...

 

[Mill]

Right, because Oprah decided to nicely ask people to remove her logo and then didn't sue them anyway... wait, that's not right...

Huh? Oprah sued people who made false claims that she endorsed a certain product and or used her image and company images on their sites. If i turned on Oprah right now and saw someone making homemade wine with a kit, I could legally go and say " As seen on Oprah". Nothing illegal with that.

Marketers can do the same thing as news networks do, it's just that some take it to far and hence where issues come from.

 

[evo190]

If not, what does and what is the best way to legitimize using their logos?

This is the company that owns the logo...

Telebrands :: Contact Us

I didn't see any TOS - maybe contact a rep to inquire.

 

[bprimeelite]

If they actually featured the product or wrote an article then get written permission from the company that owns the logo so they don't come back later and sue you. Better to cover everything now than once things blow up.

 

[aeisn]

Using trademarked logos for commercial gain is the issue, not the truth of the "as seen on" statement.

 

[kblessinggr]

Using trademarked logos for commercial gain is the issue, not the truth of the "as seen on" statement.

What if in the footer you had something like

Apple, iMac, AirPort, FireWire, QuickTime, iTunes and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple computer is not affiliated with your-site.com.

 

[BigWill]

You can use the "as seen on news.com" text but you can't use their logos for capital gain..

As far as I know anyway

 

[DwayneDibley]

You can use the "as seen on news.com" text but you can't use their logos for capital gain..

As far as I know anyway

That... and checkout how MarketHealth does it.

 

[dreamache]

That... and checkout how MarketHealth does it.

haha, that's hilarious.. "Ads" instead of "As". Hm.