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New business idea, but will it have copyright infringement?

Discussion in 'General Business' started by danstelter, May 8, 2016.

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  1. #1
    Hey everyone -

    So I got an idea for a business. It would be to create T-shirts with quotes attributed to famous people that they never actually said. The quotes would be funny. It's really just a fun side-business. Not my main one.

    So, a shirt would have a quote, and then the person's name.

    Any copyright infringement there?

    What if that included a picture?

    Plus, this might include historical figures that are now long dead. Or it could also include contemporary figures like sports stars.

    Can I use their names and pictures without legal permission?

    Please show me how US copyright law does or does not apply in this situation. Thanks,

    Dan
     
    danstelter, May 8, 2016 IP
  2. JeffH {wx}

    JeffH {wx} Greenhorn

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    #2
    I'd be more worried about defamation of character, but no it's not legal to use someones name or image for profit without permission.

    If you keep it to dead people, you would likely be fine.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2016
    JeffH {wx}, May 8, 2016 IP
  3. sarahk

    sarahk iTamer Staff

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    #3
    Just incase you haven't found these links from a quick google search

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personality_rights

    Bob Marley's Estate Wins Lawsuit over Unauthorized Merchandise Sellers
    Being dead hasn't made it easier for the people wanting to exploit him. His estate owns the rights.
     
    sarahk, May 8, 2016 IP
  4. Mybulen

    Mybulen Active Member

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    #4
    no because people will think the people said what you say they said, your time would be better served designing cool designs and making a label. Having your own inhouse screening process is the way to go. Make a label, get a site start marketing and start making designs. O don't use some shyt 145 gram t-shirt :D
     
    Mybulen, May 23, 2016 IP
    Vision2Code likes this.