[WikiEN-l] Re: Google Earth copyright (now that you bring it up)

[Michael Snow]

Justin Cormack wrote:

> On 21 Jan 2006, at 00:19, Ray Saintonge wrote:
>
>> I'm sure that a Darth Vader Halloween costume would be copyright  
>> protected.
>
> Unlikely under US law I believe.

You are aware that the movie-related merchandise (action figures, 
costumes, Lego sets, whatever) sold on the mass market is *always* 
produced under licenses from the studio, producer, or whoever holds the 
rights to the intellectual property in the movie? That they will make 
vigorous legal action against people who mass-produce such items without 
obtaining a license? That the rightsholders invariably prevail in such 
cases?

Fair use for your personal Halloween costume or your personal photo 
album is not the same as fair use for publishing a photograph to the 
entire world over the internet.

> There are some on commons.

Commons certainly isn't perfect at abiding by its policies, just like 
en: and de: aren't.

--Michael Snow