Q: Hello, I am starting a skateboard company and was wondering if it is legal to derive an image of a popular character?
When I say derive, I mean say there is a movie I like, and I wanted to use elements of said movie for my own design. not including the name of the movie or even the face of the character from a movie. its just clear that the image is derivative of said movie. Example: a woman with a chainsaw hand from evil dead, A woamn dressed as freddy kruger, or a woman who is dressed like daphne from scooby doo in clothing only. I am using faces I have created in my own head as well. I suppose if anything it seems like a rip off of a character rather than using the character. could I still be sued? I believe I am being very careful in what I am using. when you look at the images, they are just female versions of characters from a popular movie, does this fit under fair use or parody?
A:
I'm sorry your question remains open for a month. You could try reposting in Intellectual Property and its related categories; it could have better chances of being seen by attorneys with insight in these issues. Good luck
Tim Akpinar
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.
