Does anyone know anything about copyright legalities?

[19magic]

So I know as long as you're not selling something it probably doesn't matter for like using songs for YouTube and stuff. But if you were to produce toys based on things how much does that matter? I searched online and couldn't find anything concrete about what I'm allowed to do. And it seems fine but not 100% sure.

[Anonymous]

You could look at the legal disputes around the 'Battletech' franchise.

That is about big stompy robots, or rather piloted 'battle mechs'.

So you can't copyright the concept of a big stompy robot but you can copyright some names of places and things in the universe that you create and you can copyright the specific designs of the robots HOWEVER this is where things get really complicated because where is the line?

You can't copyright the idea that a robot has a missile launcher mounted on its shoulder but you can copyright a specific shape and look and this is where you get arguments presented in courtrooms for literally years, things like the silhouette of the robot matter etc.

[ShiftingMonke]

I think it depends entirely on how close you get to the likeness and/or name of the registered and licensed intellectual properties, as well as how you market the products.

I also think that it's intentionally cloudy, the ambiguous nature ensures that the original IP holder decides when and where independent creators and artists cross the line.

[OddBeMe]

I’m in marketing. I handle copyrighted songs, stock media etc all the time.

If a court can link your work back to another company, you’re toast. Fanboy toys are a thing, and Disney most likely won’t sue an Etsy dealer. They could, but lawyers cost money.

So basically, if you make money on someone else’s ideas, you are in danger. How much can depend on how successful you are.

[Paul_in_Indy]

Copyright is possibly not the most relevant protection for what you are describing (unless you are reproducing an image or text on your toys). If you are making toys based upon characters, they are probably protected by Trademark.

[burlen]

You will still be breaking intellectual property laws as the copyright owners haven’t permitted you to use their creation.

[Guy13]

No. you should consult an attorney for business liabilities related to copyright infringement.

[slatyb]

It's not ok to produce merchandise of any kind using the unlicensed work of others.

[DarkLegacy]

Check the laws in your nation, maybe visit legal websites or something like that.

[Anonymous]

patents and you need to talk to a patent attorney someone who specializes in that field

[Opinion Owner]

you also need to check and see if the name has been trademarked and anything else about the product has trademarks