Can We Show That: Depicting Third-Party IP in Film & Television

Producers, studios, and creatives face the same question on every project: when does putting someone else’s trademark on screen require a license, and what legal and business risks should be considered in deciding whether to proceed without one? Serene Ateek and Tatev Hovhannisyan of Sheppard walk through the anatomy of a trademark infringement claim and the defenses available to TV and film productions. The program also tackles the judgment call: when a use is legally defensible but still carries enough exposure that written permission is the safer path. Attendees leave with a practical framework for advising clients on what trademarks can run as is, what needs a license, and what to clear regardless.