Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Illinois
Copyright laws
Hi, I'm a graphic design student looking to make a little extra money. I was thinking about designing and selling children's invitions using disney, warner bros., etc characters. Is this legal for me to do? What subjects can and can't be used?
Thanks for your help!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Copyright laws
Unless you can acquire a proper license to use these characters, there is no way that you can legally use Disney, Warner Bros., etc. characters without asking for a copyright infringement lawsuit. That's just the nature of the beast. If you like to acquire a license, I can help you through that process. But I warn you that even if they entertain your request, a license will be very expensive.
My suggestion to you is that you use your skills and creativity to come up with your own characters and market them. If you go this route, I'd be happy to talk to you about protecting your character images, so that young, aspiring graphic artists out there won't want to use your characters without permission!
Regards,
Don Simon