Legal Question in Business Law in Texas

use of copyright materials

I recently made my grand kids tee shirts with some Disney characters on them. I changed several things and added a few of my own. I replaced the characters heads with my grand kids, now many parents are wanting me to do the same with their grand kids and sell them the shirts.

Can I do this and if so, how much would I have to change on the characters or picture to not be infringing on the copyright laws?

Thanks so much for any help,

--name removed--

Oppose the death penalty - spay/neuter your pets......and your weird neighbors too.


Asked on 3/01/04, 1:33 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Peter Bradie Bradie, Bradie & Bradie

Re: use of copyright materials

Your question is purely a fact question. Disney will aggressively pursue any infringer of their characters. If the essence of the character is readily identifiable, it's probably an infringement.

Contact Disney and ask about doing what you're considering, and see what a license would cost.

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Answered on 3/01/04, 4:38 pm
Elizabeth Schaefer SCHAEFER LAW FIRM

Re: use of copyright materials

As long as your characters are based on Disney characters, your use is at least arguably copyright infringement. You may also infringe on trademark rights. My strong suggestion is to develop your own original characters and use only them for T-shirts you sell.

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Answered on 3/01/04, 8:00 pm


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