Legal Question in Business Law in California

I'm developing a game with a similar theme to the Disney movie Frozen. I used stocked photos that I paid for online that look similar to the characters. I also plan to use the word "frozen" in the title, but not by itself and along with other words. Could this be a copyright infringement?


Asked on 3/30/14, 12:57 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Whether your game would infringe will depend on the specifics. You should discuss the game in detail with a copyright lawyer before you spend too much time and money developing it.

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Answered on 3/30/14, 5:18 pm
Rob Reed Law Office of Robert A. Reed

The way you describe it, if you have a high level of success with the game (or enough success that Disney gets wind of it), Disney will sue your pants off.

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Answered on 3/31/14, 7:40 am
Keith E. Cooper Keith E. Cooper, Esq.

It would more likely be a trademark infringement, especially if you intend to piggyback on the marketing success of the Disney movie. Disney is well know for being very aggressive about protecting its copyrights and trademarks and has gone so far as to sue small-time street vendors who sell Mickey t-shirts.

Before you spend money on development, you should invest a few hundred dollars on an in-person consultation with a qualified copyright/trademark attorney who can look at what you have and give you a better idea of the risks you are taking. Chances are he/she could suggest small changes that would help you avoid being sued.

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Answered on 4/03/14, 12:19 pm


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