Why is it so importan to add the disclaimer in fan fiction?

Question

Okay, this may seem a little stupid, because I already know you can get sued if you don't add the disclaimer at the beginning. For one, I always put in an "I don't own such-and-such" when I write fan fiction, but I have to wonder, do the owners of the books, movies, anime, etc. really check it or something?

Answer 1

I don't see the point. On places like fanfiction.net people put it. You're on a fanfiction site, everyone knows you're not making profit!

Answer 2

Maybe not directly but they probably do have people that keep an eye on it.  You're biggest issue would come if you tried to sell your fanfiction or in anyway profit from it because you're basing your story off another writer's work.

As far as the disclaimer goes, it's common curtousy.  Think of it this way, if you were to spend months, if not years, working to craft a story and it became popular enough that people decided to write fanfiction based on your work wouldn't you appreciate it if they credited your story and you.

Answer 3

Well, I have been told that the Disney company has "convinced" pre-schools and other places to remove any unlicensed versions of their characters.   Such as having your neighbor paint Mickey on your wall.

Yes, many of them or their organizations do check for copyright infringement.  Be very careful.

Answer 4

They don't really check it and if they did I doubt they'd do anything.  I think it's only officially illegal if you're making money off of it, and that's when they care enough to press the issue. To be safe you should always include the disclaimer anyway.

Answer 5

They don't really check to see if your stealing their material, but it's always good to put a disclaimer, just in case. Also, in the disclaimer, you can include the stuff that YOU own, so other writers won't steal it.