Copyright: Airbrush designs and Themes.

[Ignition_Modz]

Hey all,
I understand that with most stuff, you can never usually recreate a logo or piece of artwork without prior permission from the owner or artist. I was just wondering about stuff like airbrushing scenes...whats the course of action with these?
Ive seen hundreds of stuff with half life logos and scenes, and plenty of other gaming murals on cases, but surely they havent all gone to the owners etc and asked for permission?
Perhaps Bill can help me out here as i know you've done the cpu stingray (although think you mentioned you had permission for that) and things like the WOW case, amongst others.
Just like to know all the details becuase i have some upcoming ideas that would incorperate some scenes and pics from various games. Is it different if you sell the case?

Any info thrown my way is much appreciated!!!

Leigh

[Starbuck3733T]

It may be a violation but you're not going to catch any shit unless the copyright holder feels like enforcing their rights. It's not like red-handed murder where you do it and you go to jail.

HL2 and game logos are all free publicity for the game publishers, why would they bite the hand that feeds them. Bills corvette case is the same deal imho, it only serves to draw attention to the inspiring product.

I Ain't No Lawyer (IANL!)

[Ignition_Modz]

Thanks for the reply Starbuck.
Thats pretty much what i figured, i mean if anything its only helping them. I suppose if no one actually complains, all should be fine ^_^

[mnpctech]

I've talked to an IP Lawyer (friend's fiance). Basically, theres a grey area between Artist interpretation and deliberate rip-off. Defining between the two is up to the Judge :h34r:

[JamesM]

Yup, this area is soooo grey..

You should at least attempt to make contact. I'd be chuffed that you would want to use my stuff, like said, its free advertising. Credit should also be given to the original creator though imo.

However, if a copyright holder was to get pissed at you for using uncredited work without permission, then providing they can prove they own the copyright, the judge will always favour them. Especially if the work was sold for a profit.

If the work was for personal use, and you were gaining nothing from it, then I'd think it would be fine..

[Ignition_Modz]

I hear ya guys! Thats what had me concerned. Having dabbled in product design, i know some of the risks with IPR and patenting etc, but its always been fuzzy to me, especially in this case ^_^ (no pun intended)

I guess it all depends on how much i want to use the image etc...and therefore seeking out the correct permission would be the best course of action. Besides im too little for jail!:shock:

Thx all!

[dutchcedar]

If its for personal use you can copy anything you want. If its for public display or profit you need permission. That's the law in brief.

Here's a tip... make one for yourself and you're fine, make two and you could be in trouble.

[Ignition_Modz]

Ok, thx for the tip dutch!!;-)