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Author Topic: Airline radio callsign and IATA, ICAO codes -copyright or trademark?  (Read 779 times)

magic

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In a computer game we wish to use real world ariline callsigns such as "American" for American Airlines "Speedbird" for British Airways. Are these callsigns are property of the airline or are they available for free use? It's more interesting when let's say "Southwest's" callsign is "Southwest" for example.
We also use their 2 letter IATA and 3 letter ICAO codes (such as SWA for Southwest, BA for British Airways), etc
Or can we simply just use them as the product itself is a simulation and these callsigns and ICAO codes are considered "data" for the game?

Thank you in advance
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JSonnabend

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Callsigns are not trademarks, so from that perspective, you should have no issues.

- Jeff
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SonnabendLaw
Intellectual Property and Technology Law
Brooklyn, USA
718-832-8810
JSonnabend@SonnabendLaw.com

magic

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Jeff,

I appreciate your kind answer. Some callsigns are the names of the airlines such as Southwest or Air France. Even those are fine?

Thank you
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JSonnabend

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If you are using the names to refer to the airlines themselves, then there is not a trademark problem.  If you are using them in a simulation to refer to the simulated airlines, then I also don't see a problem, but that's a bit grayer, at least.

Also be aware that even if you are right in the eyes of the law, the various airlines might make trouble for you.

- Jeff
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SonnabendLaw
Intellectual Property and Technology Law
Brooklyn, USA
718-832-8810
JSonnabend@SonnabendLaw.com

magic

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It's a game where the airline traffic is based on a real worldwide schedule. We use the callsigns to issue commands to these planes. We have a database with all the flights around the world so it would be used in this environment. What do you think about it? Would it be OK or is it still grey?

Once again I appreciate your time and your advice, I already copied your contact info to my business contacts..
« Last Edit: 12-09-10 at 02:25 pm by magic »
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magic

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Also you answered another post regarding ICAO and IATA codes. Are they public domain? What are they legal status?

Thank you
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