Q: can I sell sports cards I design & create legally or is a copyright violation or some other law violation
My friend & I like to design & create sports cards of wrestlers from different companies both past and current using images (png) we find online from whatever website has what we're looking for, then using an app on our phone we assemble & alter/manipulate (color/brightness etc) the different pieces digitally to create the finished product.The cards look just like the cards you buy in a store. We post them on a Pinterest page and have a decent following. This is something we really enjoy doing at our own pace. Right now anyone can screenshot them and have it on their own device.
I was thinking about creating a website or a store online somewhere like "Etsy" to start selling these cards in both digital and self printable format and making some money. I would add watermark to it So I was wondering if it would it be legal or could we be violating copyright or some other legal issue
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A: It is not legal to use images that you find online without permission from the copyright holder. Even if you manipulate them to create a new product, you could still be infringing on the original creator's rights. If you want to create sports cards using images of wrestlers, you should obtain permission from the copyright holder or use images that are in the public domain. Additionally, you should ensure that you are not infringing on any trademarks or other intellectual property rights. It is best to consult with a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property law to ensure that you are operating within the law.
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