Can Someone Set Me Straight On Using Licensed Characters?!

Decorating By aem1029 Updated 28 Mar 2013 , 1:57pm by aem1029

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aem1029 Posted 27 Mar 2013 , 1:50pm
post #1 of 4

I'm new to CC and have just started my own at home business and want to do everything legitimately and legally so I've been reading A LOT!  Yesterday I searched the topic of licensed characters and came up with mixed reviews.  Some say no, some say yes, some say maybe...so which is it?  I signed on this morning to find 3 out the 5 most liked cakes were character cakes, so what gives?  Any knowledge, help is greatly appreciated!

3 replies
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-K8memphis Posted 27 Mar 2013 , 1:59pm
post #2 of 4

it's purely an individual decision

 

and you can request permission from copyright holders too of course

 

specialty character pans are designed for home use not for re-sale

 

some make a 'scene' remniscent of the character's space and the client opr the caker can put some store bought figurines on it

 

some don't do it at all like you already know

 

it's your call how you do it

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jason_kraft Posted 27 Mar 2013 , 3:22pm
post #3 of 4

AIf you recreate a copyrighted character (in BC, fondant or gumpaste figures, or a cake from a shaped pan) on a cake for sale you must obtain permission from the copyright owner first, otherwise you are infringing the owner's copyright.

If you purchase and resell a licensed character figure you do not need permission, since there is no copying involved.

This is based on US copyright law.

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aem1029 Posted 28 Mar 2013 , 1:57pm
post #4 of 4

Thank you both for the info!

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