Trademark law stops people filming Hollywood Sign

Unlike copyright laws, trademark rights don't have an expiry date while the property is still in use

The Hollywood Sign is one of several famous landmarks which cannot be photographed under trademark laws (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

Despite being one of the most famous landmarks in the US, people filming the Hollywood Sign could be handed a lawsuit under trademark laws.

Trademark rights, which function in a similar way to copyright, mean the name and basic design of a product cannot be replicated while it is still in use.

Unlike copyright laws, trademark rights don't have an expiry date while the property is still in use.

In his popular Things You Might Not Know series on YouTube, Tom Scott explains why he can't show the Hollywood Sign to viewers:

Although Mr Scott is not using the image for commercial purposes, he says he cannot be absolutely sure that the trademark owners wouldn't file a lawsuit against him if he decided to show the sign.

Other things which cannot be photographed because of trademark laws include the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower (but only at night) and Queen Elizabeth II.