Can I sell products based on movies?

The simple answer is: NO, you can’t. Read on to find out why… (This is the first article in a four-part series about using character graphics and other copyrighted or trademarked works in your digital products & printables. Click here for Part 2.)

Can you sell licensed characters?

Matthew Charles Lapple. Generally, selling a likeness of a copyrighted image or trademarked logo without a license is an infringement, which is illegal.

Can you sell products with characters?

As a general rule, you shouldn’t sell crafts with any character, image or logo that’s not your own. Etsy can and will remove items or ban you for selling work that infringes on others’ intellectual property rights — that includes copyrights, trademarks and patents.

Can you sell character inspired products?

Answer: “Illegally.” You cannot legally make and sell any product with Disney lyrics, quotes, or characters on it without permission from The Walt Disney World Company.

Can I use famous quotes on t-shirts?

Quotes are generally safe to use of they exist in the Public Domain. These are works for which copyright protection has expired. If it’s documented as existing in the Public Domain, you’re generally safe to use it in your own original works of art such as a printed quote on a tee.

Can I sell T-shirts with movie quotes?

It’s copyrighted Just to be safe, don’t quote anything characters say on anything scripted like movies, TV shows and plays or if it’s a literary work like a novel or poem.

Can I sell characters on Etsy?

Copyrighted Characters Another common intellectual property infringement found on Etsy was use of a character’s likeness. Some uses may be considered fair use, however, if you are selling these goods without a license you are most likely infringing. Avoid character use, unless you have permission.

Do producers need to cast a well-known actor for a film?

Traditionally, it is thought that a producer needs to cast a well-known actor for a successful development of a film. The conventional wisdom being that having a name actor attached, one who has marquee appeal, will open doors to the financing and/or other elements needed to get the film made.

Can I use a movie quote for personal use?

Personal Use: If you are using a movie quote for purely personal use or non-commercial use, you are probably safe: family reunion t-shirt, custom tote for your bridesmaids, drawstring bag for your youth group.

Is licensing your brand a good idea for small retailers?

As a small retailer, it can be hard to grow your business and product lineup in a meaningful way that keeps pace with those customer expectations. Licensing your brand is one way to build a bridge between your manufacturing and product design capabilities and the products your customers are looking for.

What does it mean to license your brand?

As a reminder, licensing your brand means you give another company permission to use your brand’s logo, name, or other intellectual property (IP) on their products. And you don’t have to be a behemoth brand to make it happen. If your brand has value, even locally or within a targeted niche, you can license that brand.