Copyright Question!

[lyric]

Hi there! I was creating a Minecraft animation show for YouTube and wondered about some copyright rules. Would it be okay to use the name of copy-written material (ie Disney, Aladdin, Addison Rae, etc.)? Would I get in trouble for using names like that? I know in some shows I've seen them switch names (ie Apple Phones to Pear Phones) so would that be my only option? Let me know, please

 

[Function]

Hi there! I was creating a Minecraft animation show for YouTube and wondered about some copyright rules. Would it be okay to use the name of copy-written material (ie Disney, Aladdin, Addison Rae, etc.)? Would I get in trouble for using names like that? I know in some shows I've seen them switch names (ie Apple Phones to Pear Phones) so would that be my only option? Let me know, please

Depends on how you are using the names and what you are using it for.

 

[lyric]

Depends on how you are using the names and what you are using it for.

One plan was to recreate an Aladdin musical on Minecraft, it wouldn't be uploaded directly onto youtube but names like Alladin and Disney would be mentioned.

 

[Matty]

Hi there! I was creating a Minecraft animation show for YouTube and wondered about some copyright rules. Would it be okay to use the name of copy-written material (ie Disney, Aladdin, Addison Rae, etc.)? Would I get in trouble for using names like that? I know in some shows I've seen them switch names (ie Apple Phones to Pear Phones) so would that be my only option? Let me know, please

This is a very complicated question with many details being extremely important, but I'll answer it to the best of my knowledge. Do note that I'm no legal solicitor, anything I say should be researched and taken with a grain of salt.

There are three potential scenarios that typically occur when a copyright infringement takes place
1) The copyright holder chooses to do nothing.
2) The copyright holder chooses to possess a sum of cash, or percentage of revenue retained.
3) THe copyright holder chooses to pursue a lawsuit (only ever done when negligence takes place and the user refuses to take down work).

I would heavily advise you to contact the companies and ask them whether you're allowed to use their name, if they say no, then simply switch it around or make it a completely random name for that matter. In reality, as long as you're not creating content that may harm the companies - they won't do anything as it's another marketing method for the company, meaning that shutting it down would do more damage than it's worth.

Based on what you said, I would stay away from making animations about Disney, since it may be seen as a rivalry, and all the hard work will go down with a basic copyright takedown notice. However, I'm fairly certain that companies such as Nike wouldn't care too much since it doesn't affect the company (once again, assuming you're not doing anything to intentionally harm the company). Addison Rae is an individual, not a company or business meaning that you cannot be given a copyright notice to shut down something that isn't able to be copyrighted - however, I'm sure that there's some sort of privacy law or data protection act that can get your video shut down.

In conclusion, just ask. Worst case, you get a no or you don't get an answer. I wouldn't risk making my work a tiny bit more realistic if it meant that I could receive a potential copyright infringement, but once again, I'm not a lawyer so take what I said lightly.

 

[lyric]

Don't bash the companies name that would probably induce a lawsuit straight away. You could probably make a parody.

I'm not a lawyer don't take my advice, it might be bad. Just wantin to help!

How about if we still use the Aladdin musical but put it as a parody name (ie Palladin by Pisney) would that be alright or would it look like we're trying to pass their idea as our own?

 

[Collision]

I think if its non profit to be allowed even if the name is a spin off like you said Palladin by Pisney I think it would still fall under the copyright because of how close the name is. Unless its some big thing then I would just do it anyways they arent going to take action over that

 

[Liam]

How about if we still use the Aladdin musical but put it as a parody name (ie Palladin by Pisney) would that be alright or would it look like we're trying to pass their idea as our own?

Parody imitates the style of a particular creator with deliberate exaggerations for comedic effect. Satire uses humor to comment on the world at large, particularly in the context of politics. While both parody and satire incorporate criticism and commentary, only parody may be considered fair use.

So if I were you I would go down the route of making it a clear parody of Aladin rather than blatant copying. Changing the name would not constitute parody; you would have to change the material quite a bit to make it considered a parody in the eyes of the law.

 

[Liam]

I don't think telling OP that companies won't sue or strike the video is very constructive or helpful. You say 'the companies are so big they won't bother to sue you!'.

Especially since we are talking about Disney; they have built a reputation for 'going after the little guy'. Especially when the other party is making money from their character's likeness. I would suggest OP does some research on copyright laws and regulations and especially do research on Fair Use and what is considered parody and what isn't.

The law's lines are very blurred when it comes to anything copy-right so I would proceed with caution rather than blindly continue this project.

 

[Ambrosia]

Talk with a lawyer in your state that specializes in this field or the companies directly, not people from MCM.