Making animated characters who have the character traits of certain celebs. Looking slightly like them. And naming them related names - not completely like their real names, but related enough for people to know who the character is build on. I hope the above is explained well enough for you to comment on it. Thanks
Possible, but it looks like there may be some case law in your favor. Found this googling as it interested me: http://www.hollywoodreporteresq.com...e_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003378730&imw=Y
Well, this would be seen as a parody. As far as I know you can't get into trouble with parodies. However you should be careful about slandering (or is that libel) the celebs in question.
I'd say there is an incredibly low probability of being sued... defamation cases cost an incredible amount to bring before a court - it'd have to be so severe to warrant the expense and effort of such a case which is pretty unlikely by the sounds of what you're intending to do
I also believe you have a pretty good chance of getting away with it... you're not the only one doing something like this. Just don't go overboard by way of slander.
Isn't that what Pro Evolution Soccer does? With the players they aren't licensed to use, I think they just jumble the names up a bit
doesnt it depend what that eprson thinks of "their" character, if it insults them then they could sue.
You could probably put a disclaimer up that these videos are only parodies and should not be taken as truth. Robot Chicken and Celebrity Deathmatch do this to cover themselves.
That is from your point of view! The characters might feel differently esp. if they have a business built around their brand.