If I have a T-shirt design which uses the silouette of a video game character, would I be in violation of copyright law if I use the character?
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If I have a T-shirt design which uses the silouette of a video game character, would I be in violation of copyright law if I use the character?
If I change the character where he is holding something would that offer me any protection?
Asked on February 18, 2013 under Business Law, Michigan
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Yes, if you use a recognizable silhoutte of a video game character, you will be violating the copyright owners's copyright. You will be doing so even if you make some small changes, like having the character holding an object; copyright prevents others from not just using the character as is, but also from modifying the character.
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