Is there restrictions to using likeness of TV show characters from shows that aired between 1940-1960?

Question

I am interested in using the likeness of Barney Rubble, Ethel Mertz, and Ed Norton. Would I be infringing on copyright if I were to use the characters likeness in the form of cartoon? If I took clips of the show and used them in a presentation, would I be infringing on the copyright?

Answer 1

Generally producers depend on Trademark laws in protecting famous images. The TM office has drawings of Barney on file from Hanna Barbera so putting him on a T-Shirt without a license as an example would most likely run afoul of infringement. Using a recognizable image as part of a commercial endorsement would be prohibited by the FTC unless you could prove that the celebrity actually used and approved of the product. This would include look alike and sound alike imitations as well. The actual movies or videotapes of the programs from this era can be protected from commercial exploitation if the producers registered them at the copyright office (library of congress). If you prepare your own drawings with the likeness, then they may be ok if it were obvious that this was a parody and not original work of the celebrity or producers. Parodies are generally for social or political commentary and not commercial speech.

Answer 2

i'm with you, Dean Winchester from Supernatural. Why? reason he's the main well liked guy or woman i've got ever met (Met him in long island as quickly as ;D) he's surprising, hilarious (i be attentive to the script writers throw that for the period of yet Jensen Ackles because of the fact the guy is hilarious too) and that i might probable want to be Sponge Bob sq. Pants, basically so i may well be attentive to what that is want to stay underwater for a week and reason Sponge Bob is a terrific teach, i'm 24 and that i think of that teach is surprising haha. yet heck might I be an stressful sponge.

Answer 3

i don't think you have much to worry about unless you plan to publish something with their likeness in it. If you just use for a presentation you should be ok