Hi how can I legally use Disney's characters? for example on merchandise? Do they have contact details?

Question

Hi how can I legally use Disney's characters? for example on merchandise? Do they have contact details?

Answer 1

Like any celebrity image or icon, you need permission to use someone else's property to sell it to make money for yourself.

Doesn't matter, Beatles, Britney Spears, Disney characters, Warner Brothers, My Little Pony or even Kiss' Gene Simmons, you have to negotiate a contract with the person/entity that owns the copyrights to those images, songs or phrases.

Usually, there's fees involved.  Sometimes per unit, sometimes flat fees.  Sometimes small or free.  Sometimes the copyright owner has to approve all merchandise including the manufacturer.  It's very involved.

The other thing you should know is that it's BIG business.  Paris Hilton tried to trademark "Hot."   Trump tried to trademark "you're fired."  Luckily both were refused.  Lending a trademark / copyright is how a lot of people make money.

In fact, did you know that the song "Happy Birthday" is copyrighted and owned by ASCAP.  It's why you don't hear it sung by restaurant staff or on TV, because if they did sing it, they would have to pay ASCAP for the permission to do so.  

You can contact any company by looking up their listed company headquarters on the stock information pages.  From that point you will just have to keep asking your question till you get to the right people.  It's not that hard to find the right people, but you will need to be patient and keep track of who you speak with and when.  Professionalism always carries the day.

Good luck

Answer 2

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