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


Asked on 4/18/07, 2:47 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Peter Bradie Bradie, Bradie & Bradie

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.

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Answered on 4/18/07, 3:37 pm
Steven Mark Steven Paul Mark, Attorney at Law

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.

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Answered on 4/19/07, 12:25 am


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