Tampa, FL asked in Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Florida

Q: Can a non trademarked character be remixed and sold for profit?

I have found somebody who has changed a character that is not specifically trademarked to either be skinnier or shorter and is selling both versions online for profit. The character is fundamentally identical in all three versions, so would someone using the character for profit be a blatant disregard for intellectual property? They never said it was their character, but obviously it isn't really their work aside from drawing it.

1 Lawyer Answer
Walker Weitzel
Walker Weitzel
Answered
  • Trademarks Lawyer
  • Seattle, WA

A: This would be a copyright issue. The case is also fact-specific, meaning that without more information, it will be tough to speculate about whether infringement is likely. If you would like to assert a copyright, you will need to register it. Copyright registration is straightforward, and can likely be done yourself, although many people also choose to have a lawyer do it for them. Once registered, you should talk to an copyright attorney. Copyright law can provide for lawyer fees, so it's a little easier to find a lawyer to take the case than some other types of law. Good luck.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.