Question about using "type" fragrances

[AshleyR]

If you use a "type" fragrance oil in your soap (ie: a scent that is a remake of another companies scent, like "Chanel No .5 type"), do you have to label your soap as that companies' "type"? Or can you rename it anything you want?

I don't sell my soaps now but am hoping to go into the craft fair in my small town next fall. I want to make sure it's not illegal to be using a knock-off fragrance and naming it something of your own.

Anyone know anything about this? One reason why I ask is because I have bought soaps from other soapmakers before that were scented with "type" fragrances, and they were always named the same name as the fragrance type.

Thanks!

 

[IrishLass]

From what I understand, it's completely legal to make and sell products with knock-off scents as long as you change the name to something different. You cannot use the actual name, such as Chanel #5, or whatever else the actual name is on your label because that would be in violation of the copywrite laws.

I'm not positive, but I think using 'type' after the name might make it okay, but please don't take my word for it. I know there are soapers that label that way, but that's a murky area for me that I'm not 100% sure of one way or the other yet. Hopefully someone with more knowledge about that will chime in.

From all I've read, though, the majority of soapers who sell just give their knock-off scented products a completely different name with no problems.


IrishLass

 

[Tabitha]

IrishLass hit it on the nose. If you use the same name you are ri=ding on the big companies shirt tails. Most people leave it what it is & add type because they want to increase their sales by the big boys scent recognitin.

 

[Maria]

I have 2 of the type fragrances. One is my husband's favorite scent and the other is mine. While they smell like the originals in the bottle, it changes when added to soap. I made up a different name for each.