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am I allowed to use the Home Office logo in my short film?

Adi Jani

10 years ago - Adi Jani

Hey guys,

I am making a short post-apocalyptic film, one of the scenes in the film is an emergency broadcast on the television. The slate on the TV contains the Home Office logo on it. I wanted to ask if this is O.K to use in my film? Has anyone faced this issue yet? and if so, is this something that may create a problem if I haven't got their permission?

Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Adi

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Chris Chandler

10 years ago - Chris Chandler

The logo will be copyright:if you look on the Home Office website there may be guidance on the circumstances in which it can be used: alternatively ask the Home Office press department - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/about/media-enquiries. If the use is neutral or broadly positive then you may well be able to get clearance from them. Alternatively - and as very few people will be able to recognise the Home Office logo - mock something up which looks good - bland, official, formal - but does not resemble the actual logo too closely. As I understand it there's nothing to stop you using the words Home Office - as long as you are not being directly defamatory.

Response from 10 years ago - Chris Chandler SHOW

Adi Jani

9 years, 12 months ago - Adi Jani

Both great points... thanks guys, I think I'll be able to mock something "similar" so I can avoid any issues in the future :)

Response from 9 years, 12 months ago - Adi Jani SHOW

Paddy Robinson-Griffin

10 years ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

It'll only be a problem if anyone sees it, but as you want them to see it, it's prudent to make your own. The problem you face is that if you are challenged, you have no way to defend legally, so it doesn't matter if the challenge is right or wrong - so don't let it even become a question :)

An early stage of making a feature is a script clearance report, which is specifically to flag up things like this which may be a problem. It's a core part of getting insurance for distribution (called E&O) :)

Response from 10 years ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW