I am an artist and I have spent alot of time sketching (pencil) portraits of famous people and cartoon characters. Is it legal to display my work? I'd like to show my capabilities in an art show that I'm taking part in this weekend. Am I prohibited from selling these particular sketches?
2007-01-11 13:14:49 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
miss ya katie, did ray scare u off?
2007-01-13 15:20:35 · answer #1 · answered by kimmycat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should probably get in touch with a lawyer that specializes in trademark and copyright infringement law to be safe, but I would think that since the sketches are artistic impression that you are covered. Most celebrities don't have their actual image trademarked, but they do have grounds if someone tries to use their image or name to market or sell a product (like trying use their name or face to sell a beverage or market a clothing line). The cartoon characters may be a problem because they were someone else's original sketch and the original artist has license over their images the same way you have over you original artistic creations. And most cartoons are trademarked or copyrighted.
2007-01-11 21:34:03 · answer #2 · answered by jigsawinc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Portraits of famous people: I think you'll be okay.
Pictures of cartoon characters: maybe not. Cartoon characters are typically the intellectual property of the owning person or corporation.
2007-01-11 21:24:16 · answer #3 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cartoon characters are usually copyrighted and trademarked. You might be able to display them, but you can't make one solitary nickel off them or you will be sued. Celebrities....I don't think you need to worry, although some celebrities have tried to copyright themselves.
2007-01-11 21:25:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try the site below for research on this legal matter, make sure to change the location/state. Hope this helps.
2007-01-11 21:45:16 · answer #5 · answered by citronge69 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋