Parodies and Copyright

[Ronald Regging]

Is it illegal to use copyrighted material in parodies? I think I know the answer to this, but I'm just looking for some more opinions. Say I'm creating a cartoon and want to parody another cartoon character, is this legal?

 

[Echelon17]

Is it illegal to use copyrighted material in parodies? I think I know the answer to this, but I'm just looking for some more opinions. Say I'm creating a cartoon and want to parody another cartoon character, is this legal?

IANAL but as far as I'm aware, parodys are quite legal unless you're somehow slandering or making libellious comments about the material in question, or are otherwise trying to publically reduce the credibility of the copyright owners.

The other thing to consider is, is your parody going to generate enough attention, that you possibly stand the chance of going to court? Unlikely eh

 

[Ronald Regging]

True, it's just a small thing I'm working on in my free time, but you never know, I've seen the dumbest things go off on a viral net frenzy. Like videos of a fat guy dancing and lip syncing...

Thanks for the response.

 

[Echelon17]

True, it's just a small thing I'm working on in my free time, but you never know, I've seen the dumbest things go off on a viral net frenzy. Like videos of a fat guy dancing and lip syncing...

Thanks for the response.

Ah I'm sure we've all seen those videos

At the end of the day if it's made to make someone laugh, I very much doubt that any judge on the planet would see a problem with it and throw the book at you. As long as your intentions are harmless, then why the hell not

 

[Ronald Regging]

God, I hope I dont get Judge Judy, that lady has no sense of humor!

 

[zachary0611]

well if larry flynt can get away with insulting jerry farwell's mother in hustler magazine lol i think you will be alright