Business info 24 June 2013 at 2:45PM edited 30 November -1 at 1:00AM in Small Biz MoneySaving 3 replies 636 views

Sarahoffworld

Im not sure if this is on the right place but looking for some advice.I have recently started an online business selling fantasy sci fi goods.i am now looking for ways to expand.I have recently seen at a fair a stall selling mouse mats keyrings etc with images from tv shows etc.to my knowledge these pictures are not public domain but are easily found online.Is what they are doing illegal breaching copyright if not how is it legal as this is something i could do easily?
If anyone has ideas please let me know thanks.

paddyrg

They could indeed be illegally breaching copyright - so you could try dobbing them in to the brand owners to at least level the playing field.

If you want to produce your own licensed merchandise, you need to license it. If you do this, you'll pay a fee, but on the other hand you can make a big deal about being 'officially licensed genuine' etc.

It's likely you'll need to provide evidence of quality and size of production runs, and you may find another company has the master licensing franchise (in which case, buy your stock from them). However if you've spotted a market gap (eg 50's sci-fi book jacket shaped keyrings on soft rubber, or something like that) you'll likely pick up a license fairly easily

Brassedoff

I keep on saying it and agreeing with paddyrg who is correct.

I will go on to say in the days when I was a Policeman, we used to walk around the boot fairs, markets and these specialist fairs with trading standards.

You have to be careful paying £2000 on a Friday for gear only to have trading standards take it off you on a Saturday, plus invite you to a day in court.

Wywth

Sarahoffworld wrote: »

Im not sure if this is on the right place but looking for some advice.I have recently started an online business selling fantasy sci fi goods.i am now looking for ways to expand.I have recently seen at a fair a stall selling mouse mats keyrings etc with images from tv shows etc.to my knowledge these pictures are not public domain but are easily found online.Is what they are doing illegal breaching copyright if not how is it legal as this is something i could do easily?
If anyone has ideas please let me know thanks.

Perhaps the seller has the copyright holders permission/licence to sell the items?

Contact the copyright holder to see if they will allow you to also use their material ... and at what cost.