Tv and film quotes.

riolondoner · New Member Joined: 19 Feb 2007 Posts: 1

Hi there,
Can anyone tell me if I can legally reproduce quotes from tv shows or films on t-shirts, or are they covered by copyright?
For example, can I write a quote from 'Are You Being Served' on a t-shirt for commercial purposes? The words 'Are You Being Served' would not appear on the t-shirt, just the quote and the character's name that said it.
Thanks for any help,
Ian.

Sherif · Regular Member Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 19

As I understand it, this is a very grey area.

There is no definitive amount (i.e. 10%) that you can quote without it being a breach of copyright. In cases that have been settled in court, it is not the amount of work that is copied that is the issue, it is the perceived importance and value of that part that is the deciding factor, (and of course placing a cash value on th 'damage' the infringement caused).

On the one hand, you are probably unlikely to get any objection, but to be safe, you should get permission from the owners before you use the quote.

You should also be prepared to pay royalties on every shirt sold.