This was brought to my attention not long ago, but it appears that small producers of derivative work and fan work/art are getting cracked down upon by the law. Because of copyright rules and Gilda-like copyright holders, Conventions and online sites are having to ban fan works. Personally, I am very mad at this. So what if someone made a cute hat based on your character that I wanted to buy? If the producers arent making anything of the sort, where else am I supposed to get something like it? For (fake) example- If someone made MLP charm bracelets (Which do not exsist) and someone wanted to buy them, they probably wouldn't be allowed. I really don't get it. Fan art generally increases sales, spreading awareness of the show/product and getting fans involved. If they lose a few dollars here and there to a starving teen living off of ramen, or a small hobbyist, what of it? The only unfairness I would see is if someone started a big buisness on it. Thoughts? Ideas? Opinions?
Well, making products you earn money off and do not hold the copyright to it is against the law. Drawing non-commission artwork is considered "fan-art" for there you don't earn a single penny. Hats, T-shirts that are fanmade and based on a copyrighted character mustn't be sold - You (as the creator) can wield them, though. And so can your friends, but selling them and making profit on them is not legal. The only thing you can profit on is original art. Nothing else is allowed.
I just find this speech so ironic considering your avatar, which need to be ponified Yer in short no selling.
It's very simple. Any sales of copyrighted material that wasn't copyrighted by the seller is illegal. Fanart usually isn't sold. I would love to get a free fanart shirt and not pay for one.
