Our Band: The Swedish Chefs

[mkeihl]

Hi, first post for me here...

Our band is called "The Swedish Chefs", named after the character from the muppet show. Is there a chance for getting sued or having other legal troubles because of our band name? Apart from changing the band name, how could we resolve this? (Who should we talk to etc...) Any suggestions?

 

[dwmckim]

I wouldn't sweat it. Not only is it clear that the band's name is an homage/tribute as opposed to an attempt to confuse others or take possible profits away from Disney but you also have the advantage of using a name that could refer to something non-copyrighted (ie an actual group of chefs who are Swedish...that extra "s" on the end helps! If you named yourself in the singular "The Swedish Chef", that could have been a little more sticky)

Just to play it safe, i would (a) not use any actual photos or pictures depicting The Swedish Chef's likeness on album/promotional artwork (band members dressed up as Swedish Chefs you could probably get away with but no actual images of the Muppet itself that could be seen as used without permission) and (b) be sure to either add Disney/Muppets Studio to "Special Thanks" credits and/or include a disclaimer in album sleeves stating "The Swedish Chef is a trademark of Disney/Muppets Studio. Our band's name is a tribute/homage to the classic character we all dearly love."

 

[mkeihl]

Ah cool, I was hoping to hear something like that... That was kind of what we we're thinking anyway... We have bought a Swedish Chef doll, though, but we've kept him out of band photos so far =]
Thanks for replying!