Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Texas
Celebrity image spoofing
Hello. My friend and I are starting a calendar/photography business. We want to dress up dogs etc... to mimic famous celebrities in the photos. Ex. (have dog dressed similar to charactor Princess Leia in Star Wars and have the caption say ''May the bark be WOOF you'' which makes fun of the Star Wars cliche ''May the force be with you''?
Are we safe in this area? Thanks
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Celebrity image spoofing
From what you've described you're probably safe from a judgment for copyright infringement. You are not safe from the costs of defending in a lawsuit if the celebrity takes umbrage at the spoof.
Plan accordingly.
Re: Celebrity image spoofing
Make sure you don't copy the costumes too accurately. Otherwise you should be fine. Peter Bradie is correct, though, because anyone can sue for virtually anything but I suspect you'd ultimately prevail. Funny idea.