 So many questions about Copyright.....
Well seems to me day after day I come in and see so many questions about copyright I thought i would start a thread and share some views, thoughts, and things Ive learned...
If it is not your design.. and you have not paid for it or gotten permission to use it NO you cannot legally use the design..
Will they come after you?.. .. Yes if they see your shirts or stiickers they will.
They can fine you, take your equipment, lock your bank accounts, and much more..
Copyrights are for that purpose, they are there to protect the owner of the artwork, and no one without permission can use said artwork without being liable.
This includes logos of companys. (like car companys,shoe companies etc.) cartoon char. like disney, looneytoons etc. ,
nascar and race car drivers. and colleges.
If you make a shirt or sticker with a college say USC on it.. Yes they can come after you.. and if they see your shirts they will..
many companies will actively look for copyright theifs (yes it is stealing) and even police or the FBI can be involved. There have been times when authorities will go thur flea markets and ask to see the licences for the products..and If you dont have the licence they will take your equipment and products and can even jail you.. OO and you brought that product over state lines in your truck.. hmmm..they can take the vehicle also..
All legalities aside.. I personnally believe it is morally and ethically wrong.. It is the same as stealing.. and my personal opionion is that if you dont have the either the talent to design your own work or the money to pay for designs or to purchase the licence agreement you have no business making shirts or products.... I know that sounds Biochy.. but its true..
That being said.. You can sometimes contact the organization and get the rights to reproduce their licence on products but if you do be prepare to jump thru hoops to make sure its all OKed and correct..
we do logos for USC for their megaphones for the cheerleader and did the stickers for the volleyball teams golf cars.. You would not believe the time it takes to get everything OKed and done to their specifications.. they take it all very seriously..
Ok.. done with my rant..
sue | 
