Can you use altered but still identifiable copyrighted phrases for commercial purposes?
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For example, selling T-shirts with altered song lyrics. The text would still be identifiable to the song, however, changed to fit the occasion.
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Unfortunately, what you descibe would be a violation of copyright. Copyright is the right to control not just the verbatim reproduction or publication of the material, but also the creation of derivative works or adaptations--which would include the creation of somewhat altered (but still recognizable) lyrics for use on T-shirts. Thus, if you do this, you could be sued for monetary compensation and/or for an order barring you from conducting this business.
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