Q: Can images/scans of likely copyrighted sports cards be partially reproduced and redistributed?
I'd like to create a deck of cards with scans of relatively new sports cards (30-40 years old) in the inset of the card, and sell that deck as game cards for a board game. Since they are just scans of the original card, it would never be mistaken as a reprint. As a result, though, names and likenesses would appear on the card, as they are scans of the original card.
If possible or needed, all logos, etc could be airbrushed out of the images (perhaps falling under the '30% rule'?). But names and likenesses would remain.
Thanks in advance for your opinion.
A:
I am not sure if the 30% rule is a hard rule.
You are in risky territory.
I do not recommend you do it.
Consult with an attorney.
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.
