How to use Copyrighted characters in original Art?
May 3, 2012 9:40 AM   Subscribe

I recently completed a series of art prints for an upcoming art show. I thought while I was getting them printed I would submit them to Zazzle and make them available online. But 3 out of 4 were rejected because of "A copyright complaint from the rightsholder". I think my work is a clear use of parody and would not be confused with an official product.

The prints in question are 3 from the "Transidents" Half Transformer, Half President. Link Here

They accepted the Lincoln one, I'm assuming because I changed the front of the mask to be a Lincoln Navigator Grill. I'm just wondering how any artist can get away with using pop culture references anymore.

Here are examples of 2 prints that I recently purchased.
tim doyle
Droid Feelings
Not to mention almost everything on TheYetee.com, teeFury.com, and riptapparel.com

Is everyone who does this kind of work just working Lando Calrisian style trying to stay under the radar of the Copyright Empire or is there something else that I should be doing?
posted by Mark5four0 to Media & Arts (6 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: You mention counterexamples from sites that are not Zazzle. It seems like the simple solution would be to make your wares available on those sites, instead of Zazzle.
posted by grouse at 9:48 AM on May 3, 2012


Best answer: I suspect that people who do this kind of work aren't getting printed by Zazzle, but by other print shops, especially ones that are less mass-market than Zazzle.
posted by Tomorrowful at 9:49 AM on May 3, 2012


zazzle is a PIA when it comes to this stuff. try cafepress or some other one.
posted by pyro979 at 9:58 AM on May 3, 2012


Is there a way to appeal? I don't see how you could have a complaint on an item that was never for sale.
posted by cjorgensen at 10:36 AM on May 3, 2012


Is there a way to appeal? I don't see how you could have a complaint on an item that was never for sale.

Why bother? Do business with people who don't lie to you.
posted by grouse at 10:51 AM on May 3, 2012


Response by poster: Thanks everyone. Looks like I'll go to one of the smaller sites.
posted by Mark5four0 at 11:17 AM on May 3, 2012


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