Justin Cormack wrote:
On 21 Jan 2006, at 00:19, Ray Saintonge wrote:
I'm sure that a Darth Vader Halloween costume
would be copyright
protected.
Unlikely under US law I believe.
You are aware that the movie-related merchandise (action figures,
costumes, Lego sets, whatever) sold on the mass market is *always*
produced under licenses from the studio, producer, or whoever holds the
rights to the intellectual property in the movie? That they will make
vigorous legal action against people who mass-produce such items without
obtaining a license? That the rightsholders invariably prevail in such
cases?
Fair use for your personal Halloween costume or your personal photo
album is not the same as fair use for publishing a photograph to the
entire world over the internet.
There are some on commons.
Commons certainly isn't perfect at abiding by its policies, just like
en: and de: aren't.
--Michael Snow