Captain America Copyright

[Poonhead]

I was just wondering if Marvel Comics has ever fussed over Daniel's use of Captain America, or for that matter whoever owns Casper the friendly ghost.  I know that if something is considered to be fine art legally the artist can use whatever pop imagery they want.  But I also know that when popular characters are used in work that is sold, the copyright owners often make some kind of fuss.
An artist in my town had drawings up of Disney Characters in unflattering scenerios, and I know she got a letter from Disney asking her not to.  But as far as I know she continued and that was the end of it.

[lonelyloner]

Woah, that's a good question. I've seen several 'Casper' cartoons on those $1 DVDs, but those are just public domain or something. I remember my aunt's neighbor use to put up a display of Disney characters he painted himself & lights every Christmas. I've noticed that people in Mexico throw the whole Copyright thing right out the window too. I mean, a THRIFTY ICE CREAM!!?!? 

 


 

[Henry Long]

United States Law states that "you cannot copyright living (or dead) persons."

Since Captain America (living) and Casper (dead) are both REAL PEOPLE, there's no problem for Daniel's Lawyers!

[The Dentist]

Sound of a rim shot!!

[notdaniel]

I've been told by a certain ex-manager of Daniel's that Marvel has long been aware of his use of Cap artistically and has never suggested that they have any problem with it. Remember, one of Dan's good friends, Marie Javins, used to be a Marvel colorist, and she continues to work with them on a freelance basis (she even slipped a Glass Eye reference into an Impossible Man story, and I believe she also plugged Daniel's music on a "Bullpen Bulletins" page).

  - notdan

[Stress Records]

Not meaning to be an alarmist but in my opinion the more possible copyright violations get discussed on public message boards the more likely they are to come to the attention of someone who might not approve.