Planning to run some Reddit ads for market validation of a new startup product idea - drive traffic to a landing page, collect signups, yada yada.

From my customer interviews, there’s a clear pain point the product can solve, and a lot of that pain point stems from gaps in existing software products that they are locked into.

To try to capitalize on that, I was planning to run some ads that calling out competitor pain points, but wanted to be sure I’m “okay” using other co’s names in the ads. If anyone’s seen the Brex “Concurrrrrrgh” ads recently on Reddit, this is a PERFECT example of what I’m intending to do. Same basic advertising concept as BMW commercial when the Mercedes-Benz CEO retired, using the MB competitor to draw attention to BMW.

Is there any legal footwork to do here first to make sure I don’t get sued by these competitors for abusing their names?

Or is this generally “okay” to do?

Note: similar to the Brex ad, this would only use the name or a derivative of the name (Concur -> Concurrrrrgh, Acme -> Acyou, etc), no logos or branding and such.

  • LongIslandIceTeas@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I would say your not a globalized brand yet like those you mentioned. I would think it’s relatively safe as long as your not utilizing their logos to sell your product per say but it can be in the backdrop of your Ad.

    If u feel it might be legality involve then consult with a lawyer prior to launching the Ad or do some legal research for commercial property rights usage.

  • theredhype@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Can you take a more implied competitor approach? Like the Apple ads “I’m a Mac” and “I’m a PC” — I don’t think they ever name Microsoft or windows. Do they? But it’s obvious what is meant by PC. And it encompasses all windows compatible hardware. So very effective.

  • DogKnowsBest@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I think you are treading on dangerous ground. My advice would be to seek competent legal advice from a qualified attorney. You can absolutely be sued; for any reason. But if you are the small fish and the other party is a bigger fish, you could lose in many ways just because you’re in the inferior position.

    Focus on the positives. You can address every pain point without calling out the competitor. I do it all the time. It works. Your prospective customer will know who you’re talking about. If they don’t, then they don’t have the pain points you’re looking for anyhow.

  • fainfaintame@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Just try to push your products aggressively. It may be effective or it may not. If it’s effective and draws the attention of another firm then you are doing something right. If in the rare chance they object, it will be in the form of a cease and desist letter first. Move fast and break things