Can you mention people you have done work for w/o their permission in a pr?

[Metacognition]

I am writing a press release for and one of the managers wants to include companies that we have done business for. To show credibility. Some of these companies are larger well known companies.

Do I need to get permission to use their name?

Are there any legal consequences?

thanks

 

[jfurfari]

(disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, but I have worked in the pr industry.)

You don't legally need permission to mention the name of another company in a press release, however you could be sued for libel or some other civil tort if you damaged another company/individual's reputation.

The bigger thing to worry about is your business relationship with that company. If there's any chance of repercussions, you're probably best off making a phone call to someone to get their permission first.

So in short: Legally you can do what you want, but make sure you don't burn bridges.

 

[jlknauff]

It should be outlined in your contract, but if you're asking, I'll assume you're not using a contract.

Use this:

RIGHTS OF OWNERSHIP – Once a project has been delivered by us and is fully paid for by client, [Your Company Name] will assign the reproduction rights of the design for the use(s) described in the proposal. We reserve the right to photograph and/or distribute or publish for our promotional and marketing needs, any work we create for you, including mock-ups and comprehensive presentations, as samples for our portfolio, newsletter, brochures, presentations and similar media. We agree to maintain computer files for a period of 6 months beyond the delivery of a job. Thereupon, we reserve the right to discard them.

 

[kimboslice]

If it's not spelled out beforehand, you need to engage and ask the client if you can use them.

Quite frankly, I'd be pissed if you use my company without asking my permission first.

 

[Tezza]

If it's not spelled out beforehand, you need to engage and ask the client if you can use them.

Quite frankly, I'd be pissed if you use my company without asking my permission first.

This.. you'll hurt your reputation otherwise and this business is all about rep.