Manteca, CA asked in Copyright and Trademark for California

Q: Can I take a picture of a wrestling belt & use it as a template to create my own picture & use it on a shirt to sell?

I purchased a replica wrestling belt, and I was wanting to take a high resolution picture, upload it to my PC, and digitally through an art program to make an altered and custom version of the belt, and use that new image on a shirt to sell. I was wondering if that was something I can get in trouble for doing.

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1 Lawyer Answer
John Martin Hilla
John Martin Hilla
Answered
  • Trademarks Lawyer
  • Livonia, MI

A: It is possible that you would be infringing on the trademark of the issuer of the belt (World Wrestling Federation, etc.). it is also possible that you would be infringing on the copyright of the designer of the original belt.

It is best to consult with an intellectual property attorney to determine whether or not you are exposing yourself legally and financially with the enterprise before proceeding.

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