Is it legal? - Writers Forum

TheGlobber · 08-23-2007, 11:41 AM

I want to write an ebook about football teams in Europe and sell it online on my site. Is it possible? Do i have to have permission from someone? Is it legal? Can i sell it?

Thanx for your answers

mammamaia · 08-23-2007, 07:40 PM

thanks to the bill of rights, you can legally write whatever you want about public figures/companies/teams/ et al. ... whether you can be sued for doing it, depends on what you say about them...

lin · 08-23-2007, 07:45 PM

The bill of rights doesn't cut much ice in Europe, actually.

And, truth is, you run into problems using licenced properties like team names in a commercial venture.

It's hard to tell much from the information you give here. Novel? No problem? Guide to teams? Could be.

Your best bet is to ask a lawyer. As you've seen, internet advice can be pretty shaky.

TheGlobber · 08-24-2007, 08:48 AM

Well, i want to write an ebook containing all the european teams and all the info about them. Where they play, the capacity of their stadium, rival teams etc etc.. I wont write any personal comment. I will only write facts. Is this legal or do i have to have permission to write it?

lin · 08-24-2007, 04:20 PM

I have worked on some similar projects in American college sports, back in some other millenium. A lot depends on what exactly you are doing...and who sort of teams. For instance, a pro football team can prevent you from using their logo or photos. But a state college team can't because that is mostly regarded as public property.

SO...what I'm suggesting is that you contact a couple of these teams. Lay out your idea, ask them what permissions they see as applicable and their willingness to co-operate.

This not only gets you to a much more valid opinion than you'll find here (which as you've seen can be a bit myopic) but also put you into the loop for getting help you might be able to use. Teams generally like to help publicity and are happy to send photos, logos, etc. to writers they see as being beneficial. They can also provide you with inside stuff sometimes, like comments from coaches and players.

Generally, if most teams are aboard for this stuff, the others fall into place. AND, when you present your proposal to a publisher you are coming with the aegis of the clubs...indicating special information and the fact that you are doing your homework.

There must be a lot of books like this around?

Good luck

mammamaia · 08-24-2007, 07:16 PM

here's what seems to be one of the most comprehensive/popular, since it's in its 4th ed.:

Amazon.com: The Rough Guide to European Football, 4th Edition: A Fans' Handbook (Rough Guides): Books: Peterjon Cresswell,Simon Evans,Dan Goldstein

and this has to be the most expensive:

Amazon.com: The European Ritual: Football in the New Europe: Books: Anthony King

TheGlobber · 08-25-2007, 04:31 AM

Thanx guys. I will contact some teams to see what's happening. There are similar books in the market as you say but you cant really tell if they are better than mine.

lin · 08-25-2007, 01:06 PM

That's our Maia foria. She'll post no matter what and if she doesn't just tell you she doesn't know she'll do your googling for you. (Assuming, of course, that you are too stupid to or haven't done it before launching into the project)

mammamaia · 08-25-2007, 07:28 PM

you're a really pathetic individual, lin... you obviously can't see that your obsessive need to pounce on me at every opportunity only lets everyone here see how sick you are... please know that you are no longer capable of angering or upsetting me with your childish bullying... all that's left now is pity... i sincerely hope you get the help you so clearly need... and i'll repeat this message every time you launch one of these totally uncalled for spite-ball attacks...

love and healing hugs, maia