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Do I need a license when using models of real world things (cars, buildings etc)?
I've been looking at the licensing pages of a few console game manuals, and I was wondering if it is possible to find some more information about the circumstances when licensing and permissions are needed for games.
For example, in automotive games it is common to have the car manufacturer names and models licensed, but when exactly is this necessary? Is it only when the trademarked names are used (eg. Honda, Mitsubishi/ Civic, Lancer etc etc) or even when a 3D model is used which resembles a particular manufacturers body design? To elaborate, if I model or purchase a model which resembles a Honda Civic, do I have to ask permission from Honda to use it in my game? What if I used the 3D model but used a fictional name instead of the trademarked name, would that make a difference?
Similarly, if I have buildings in my game which strongly resemble real world buildings of a particular city, do I need some sort of permission for that also?
i think u need permission for any type of business trademark logo type stuff.. kinda like how in the call of duty games there are bugerkings .. but they call them burger prince or something of that nature...
as for something like the Golden Gate Bridge.. i dont think theres any type of legal issues using that.
as for car models.. u might want to alter them in some way not use Exact replicas. games like grand tourismo get permission to do such things
disclaimer: there are merely guesses maybe someone who really knows can help u out
I suspected as much, thanks for the advice. I remember a few years back there was a racing game on console which didn't have licensed vehicles. If you looked close enough on the vehicle models you would see things like manufacture and model names spelt subtly different. I suppose removing all the logos and names would be a start, and then perhaps modifying the body design slightly as you suggested. Thanks
If you're wondering about this then you should be asking a lawyer.
I'd rather ask other members of the community first so that those with knowledge on this topic can shed some light for the benefit of everyone reading.
