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Can I sell a shirt with a video game character on it?
Yes, you would need permission. Characters are protected by copyright, not just the specific image of them, but the whole character, no matter who later creates the art. Fan art is technically a copyright infringement, but one that few manufacturers find it worthwhile to go after with lawsuits.
Can I print a copyrighted image for personal use?
In the U.S., as in most countries, images are protected by copyright law and international copyright agreements. Unless you own the copyright to an image or have a license from the owner, printing a copy of an image or posting it online without permission is a violation of copyright.
Can I draw a picture of a character and sell it?
Legally, you cannot sell paintings of characters that other artists have invented. Due to trademark, copyright, and art plagiarism issues, selling paintings of characters is stealing the work of others and selling it as your own, even if you created the painting yourself and put a unique spin on it.
Can I put a character on a shirt and sell it?
i. When creating a t-shirt design, you cannot use images, characters, and any figure that resembles anything taken from comic books, cartoon networks, movies, video games, and television shows. ii.
How do I get permission to use copyrighted images on T-shirts?
You can use any copyrighted images with permission in writing from the rights holder. Contact them and ask. They may set conditions, charge money, or anything else they want in exchange, or just say no. Originally Answered: How does a t-shirt company print images of famous people without copyright issues?
Are video game characters protected by copyright?
Also, names alone do not have copyright protection. So just mentioning the name of a character won’t be copyright infringement without more. The creators of some video games use stock characters and scenery that resemble famous movie franchises.
Is it legal to use copyrighted T-shirts for parody?
Dana ‘s answer covers the majority of use. In some countries, some t-shirt design companies attempt to use copyright exceptions for parody. Under U.S. Fair Use, for instance, making an image the makes fun of Mario in some way might be ruled by a judge as protected parody.
What should a T-shirt design business know about copyright laws?
One of the things a t-shirt design business owner and a designer should know beforehand is the copyright laws. You may be involved in some illegal activity by infringing someone’s copyrights unknowingly, and you may be challenged in a court of law. This may create some unpleasant situations for you and your business.