I see the question on a lot of craft business forums asking if you can use designs, like from Disney or comic books or other popular images, on crafts you make to sell. In most cases the answer is that unless you have a licensing agreement with the copyright holder of a design, you cannot legally reproduce that design for resale.
This doesn’t mean you won’t find crafters selling pieces that violate the copyright laws. If they get caught, they get a cease and desist letter. There are reps from major companies scouting craft fairs and ebay listings for violators.
Copyright owners can get really picky. When “Chicken Soup for the Soul” came out, they used the same font on the book cover as Campbell’s soup. Campbell’s attorneys came after them. But the authors turned it into a win-win by partnering up with Campbell’s in an agreement that helped both parties mutually promote and donate some of the profits to soup kitchens around the U.S. which got them both even more publicity.
The large companies like Disney, Warner and others make billions off the licensing rights to their designs. So they’re protecting their income streams when they go after copyright violators.
Most craft artists don’t consider licensing as an option for their designs, but it is possible. There’s a great book out there (if you can find a copy – it’s out of print, but worth having if you can get it) called “Art Licensing 101″ by Michael Woodward. Micahel has licensed hundreds of millions in art designs and he lists licensing agents in the book.
Art Licensing 101
If you’re concerned about copyright law and your designs, see the articles at starvingartistslaw.com
I put together a brief video on copyright infringement here.
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