Newbie here, starting my own line of t shirts, i want to focus mainly on 80s song lyrics, or sentences from my favorite songs, is this legal? What is legal to put on a graphic shirt without buying royalties, copyrights, rights, etc.? Does anybody know?
Newbie here, starting my own line of t shirts, i want to focus mainly on 80s song lyrics, or sentences from my favorite songs, is this legal?
Unfortunately, there is going to be a lot of gray area with this. Some designs you come up with will be perfectly fine, while others could potentially infringe on existing copyrights or trademarks. It's hard to say without knowing specifically what you have in mind. It's really best to consult an intellectual property attorney before proceeding with this type of business.
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Originally Posted by jay_22
What is legal to put on a graphic shirt without buying royalties, copyrights, rights, etc.? Does anybody know?
Yeah, you can design your own original artwork that in no way infringes on any one else's intellectual property.
I'm not an attorney, although I did take a copyright law class in college. My opinion would be that if anyone can tell what song you are referencing, I wouldn't be comfortable selling the shirt without a license from the copyright holder. Some people are more risk averse than others.
If you print it, one of two things could happen. (1) No one will notice and you will get away with it. (2) Someone will notice and will come to collect. The more successful you become, the more likely it becomes that someone will notice. It's really about how much risk you want to take with your business.
Remember when the Verve got sued by the Rolling Stones for Bittersweet Symphony? It's not t-shirts, but it still is in the realm of copyright law. The same thing could happen in the t-shirt world.
ummm...sounds like you may want to research this further & consult w/an attorney. i think i kind of know where you're going w/this...but, i've worked in the entertainment industry for years & they don't play. everyone wants their cut. film, commercials, radio, etc...i would have to imagine shirts would be included. especially, if you're using exact lyrics. i'll check w/my friend in entertainment legal clearances and send you over a pm when i hear back from her. also, my sorority sister is a patent attorney & she may have some answers as well. i'll keep you posted. until then, good luck w/the other portion of your business.
What is legal to put on t shirts? 
