copyright laws for lyrics in song using established business name.

[ALL4SPORTS]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?

California and Colorado

I currenltly live in California but will be relocating to Colorado. I believe the copyright laws are under federal law, so the same may apply to both states. I have written a song which includes the word U-haul in the title of the song and the lyrics of the song. In addition, I plan to use the title of this particular song as the name of the album. It is "hundred in a U-haul." I have contacted U-haul and they replied stating that they could not give me permission to use the word U-haul because of the connotation of going '100 miles per hour' in a U-Haul.

Does this sound like copyright infringement if I were to use the word U-Haul.
Can I change the spelling of the word and still use it?
What are my options?
any suggestions?
thanks for your help!

 

[somedude]

You have to clear the use of THEIR name with them, regardless of the context. If you change the lyrics, you still have to seek their approval as long as you wish to use their company as the subject of your tune.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

You have to clear the use of THEIR name with them, regardless of the context. If you change the lyrics, you still have to seek their approval as long as you wish to use their company as the subject of your tune.

Wrong. Their letter was a simply disassociation from the premis that they would be tacitly approving of speeding in their product.
Parody and fair-use doctrines apply here.