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Author
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Comment
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elso1
Registered User
(11/30/04 7:30 am)
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Looking for copyright info
Hello all
I am looking for info or contacts to inquire about copyrights
regarding Dopey from Snow White.
Here is the situation:
I own/run a custom printing business for mugs, mouse pads,
t-shirts etc. I have a customer who has submitted his own
hand drawing of Dopey from Snow White for print of a single
coffee mug for a gift. I need some information about
copyrights and if I can fulfill this customer order. I am thinking
that because the drawing is an original drawing created by my
customer there shouldn’t be any conflicts, but I need to be
sure before I will print the single mug.
Thanks
Nelson
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Heather
KT
Registered User
(11/30/04 9:32 am)
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Re: Looking for copyright info
As I understand it, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" is in the public domain, so if your customer were to sketch his or her own interpretation of a dwarf from the story, there'd be no problem. But the character of Dopey (like Mickey Mouse, Goofy, etc.) is trademarked, so that images of the character are protected, no matter who drew them. Disney is extremely vigilant about enforcing their trademarks and copyright, so I think you would be putting yourself at risk by manufacturing an unauthorized copy.
For more info, here's an article about how Disney threatened to take 3 Florida day care centers to court for having painted unauthorized murals of Disney characters on their walls.
www.snopes.com/disney/wdco/daycare.htm
Best--
Heather Tomlinson
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elso1
Registered User
(11/30/04 10:55 am)
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Re: Looking for copyright info
Hello Heather
Thank you for your insight and the article. My customer's
sketch is a very good likeness to "Dopey" and includes his
name. Because of the nature of my business, I am very
cautious about copyright laws. Obviously, it's not worth
the risk for a single, one-time $20.00 sale even though
the chances of being found would be very slim.
Do you know who or where I would contact to get an
official approval or denial?
Thank You
Nelson Quimby / Elso Graphics
www.elsographics.com
ceramics@elsographics.com
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