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Using song lyrics
I am wanting to use a phrase that is in a song as sort of a moto or slogan to put on T-Shirts, bumper stickers etc. The song is fairly new and the phrase I want to use has some reference to a famous persons last name. The phrase is only 3 or 4 words long. What are the legal issues with this. How can it be done leagally???
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Copyrighted Phrase
It depends.
The phrase, "In like Flynn" is based on the name of Erroll Flynn, but it wasn't part of a song. It fell into common usage, and it is highly unlikely that the phrase would be deemed to an improper use of Mr. Flynn's name even if used for profit (e.g., placed on a T-Shirt).
But a song lyric, particularly if it is a novel phrase, may be protected by copyright law. And a different use may implicate the public figure's right to control the commercial use of their name.