Business logos portrayed in a bad light?

T

Trackrabbit21

Welp. Ready for the criticism since I'm ignorant to this topic. I've used the search button and gotten some info just wanted to get some further insight. Now, I'm in the pre-production stages of a heist short film, with a group of individuals trying to take information from a company. I didn't want them to simply verbalize the companies name, but I wanted to have the actual logo, or 3d modeled logo within the film on a building.

I know that I don't have the companies permission for obvious reasons because they would definitely not allow me it based on what I'm trying to do. I've thought of two options. Either I have the logo partially shown, (being that it is very popular and people would know exactly what company it is) or use the company name, but a generic logo. Thoughts?
 
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_Rok_ said:
Read THIS LINK,particularly the paragraph regarding harming or tarnishing a trademark.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this, it cleared up some fogginess that I had. So looking back at what I want to accomplish, I wouldn't necessarily say its a bad light per say. But, the main gist of it is, I'm trying to erase data from said company. Outside of my film the company already has a negative view from the majority of people that have dealt with it (which is why portraying it in a bad light was my initial thought) , what I'm trying to bring with this film is a simple "What if..." , at this point though I have no problems using a fake name, but thanks for the responses, using each to my advantage
 
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Trackrabbit21 said:
Thanks for this, it cleared up some fogginess that I had. So looking back at what I want to accomplish, I wouldn't necessarily say its a bad light per say. But, the main gist of it is, I'm trying to erase data from said company. Outside of my film the company already has a negative view from the majority of people that have dealt with it (which is why portraying it in a bad light was my initial thought) , what I'm trying to bring with this film is a simple "What if..." , at this point though I have no problems using a fake name, but thanks for the responses, using each to my advantage
Click to expand...

I have personally worked in the software business for many years and for the world's biggest and best multi-billion dollar organisations. As an idea, customers have included major financial institutions etc...

If any of them found out you had portrayed them badly, particularly relating to security or wiping data (think of their customers as banks, insurance companies, 'security'-driven institutions which I would be stupid to name), they would come after you with the sole intention of inflicting as much damage as possible. These firms have souped-up legal teams who like nothing better than a fight and with their money and desire to fight, they would drag you into court.

Bear in mind, they are not just after money, rather they want to put you in a situation where you would go around telling everyone in the world to never do it again and discourage every journalist, amateur film maker or anyone from attacking this area of their reputation. This means they would be out to break you financially and also morally. They would ensure the experience is as unpleasant as they could legally make it and they can be pretty unpleasant.

Even if you are 'right,' take a look at the company's balance sheet and what they want to protect. If you are attacking an aspect of their reputation which they would want to protect at all cost, think long and hard.
 
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