Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California
Use of Name
I�m putting together a business plan and a brochure for a new venture. My partners and I are former employees of KPMG, Ernst & Young and PriceWaterHouse Coppers. We want to include a sentence in our brochure and website that says, �our team is comprised of former KPMG, Ernst & Young and PriceWaterHouseCoppers professionals. Would this be a violation of IP law?
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Use of Name
You can say that.
Re: Use of Name
Saying truthfully that you are former employees of those firms is not a violation of any law, unless you have an agreement with those firms not to use their names in this manner. Check your employment agreements, if any.
Re: Use of Name
No, there is no violation of trademark law because there is no likelihood of confusion and this constitutes 'fair use.' Your written materials should contain nothing that implies you have a present connection with these firms and makes clear that you are now operating independently of them.
Re: Use of Name
No, it is not illegal to truthfully state that you worked where you worked. Be careful, however, not to imply that your former employers endorse your enterprise, unless they have given you written permission to do so.
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