Copyright?

POSTED BY: haditnuit
UPDATED: Friday, October 1, 2004 21:30
VIEWED: 2771
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HADITNUIT

Friday, October 1, 2004 7:39 PM

So what are the legal heads-ups with creating Firefly/Serenity paraphernalia?

SHINYHAPPYKLIN

Friday, October 1, 2004 9:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by haditnuit:
So what are the legal heads-ups with creating Firefly/Serenity paraphernalia?

Well, if you want to go letter of the law, you can't do it unless you're licenced by Fox or Universal.

Reality: If you're gonna sell it, don't use images of the cast or ship, even "derivative art". There are some who are doing wonderful artwork using the above, but doing it on the QT, no major promotion or fanfare, and doing ok. Technically, however, this is one of the biggest gray areas that will get you busted by Cafe Press, Zazzle, and any other 3rd party publisher.

Also don't use "Firefly" or "Serenity" as in "Firefly Costumes" or "the Movie 'Serenity'"....you don't want to look like you're an "official" vendor.

Best thing for now is low key, promote on the boards, but don't try to sell it in a big way to the general public.

"We gotta go to that crappy town where I'M a hero..."
Shiny stuff for Browncoats at: http://www.cafepress.com/outtotheblack

EMBERS

Friday, October 1, 2004 9:30 PM

you'll notice that CafePress still has Browncoat stuff for sale, because I don't think THAT name was copyrighted...
and that is the bottom line.

Also screencaps & publicity stills are the sole property of the network and/or studio...

But if it is your own artwork, or a convention photo you took, and if you avoid using the 'official' terms and titles, then I think you are in good shape.

it can be a minefield if you are wanting to sell your work for profit
but if you are making things for yourself and your friends with no profit attached, then I think you can get away with just about anything!