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[artchain]

I've noticed, more and more, that logos are blurred out on TV shows.  For example, when a Ford truck drives down the street, there's a blurry ellipse in the middle of the grill, rather than the familiar Ford logo.

Does anyone know why this is done?  Is there a legal reason why logos can't be shown in cases where they would normally be in clear view? 

Or is it more a matter of not giving "free" advertising???

[Zonath]

Probably mostly to do with free product placement, but also possibly to avoid any inference (as product placement becomes more and more common) that Ford and/or whomever else sponsors or otherwise approves of the show, and thus avoid any claim for tarnishment of the mark.

Plus, I would assume that it's easier to get advertising dollars from Chevrolet for shows that don't have the habit of plastering the Ford logo all over everything.

[JSonnabend]

I say it's paranoia or maybe product placement issues (i.e., if you are placing a product from GM, GM may demand that you blur Ford logos).  The circumstances in which showing a logo would constitute infringement in this context are almost zero.

- Jeff