Can I monetize a video with Copyrighted Characters?

L

LoganReynolds

Super Poster
Hey everyone! So I'm thinking for a series of sketches, I play a superhero like Deadpool or Spider-Man put into scenarios and stuff (think Superhero Waiting Room on YT) where I pretty much act as the character in places like the school or as a reality show kind of thing.

Would I be able to monetize videos like these as they star me acting as/cosplaying in the Hero's outfit?

Thanks everyone :)
 
As long as it your original video, or if your sketch is original, there is no copyright on it. You don't have any copyright on wearing Superhero's outfit, you should carry on.
 
Jawad Soomro said:
As long as it your original video, or if your sketch is original, there is no copyright on it. You don't have any copyright on wearing Superhero's outfit, you should carry on.
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I agree, but what makes me wonder and might be dumb, but just a thought - why are for example tissues manufacturers have to pay for license to e.g. Disney to use their characters on the boxes they're selling, but video creator doesn't? Both are created for commercial use, if video would be monetized, no?
 
Clam- said:
I agree, but what makes me wonder and might be dumb, but just a thought - why are for example tissues manufacturers have to pay for license to e.g. Disney to use their characters on the boxes they're selling, but video creator doesn't? Both are created for commercial use, if video would be monetized, no?
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I can think of two differences there; firstly tissue manufacturers are hoping to gain extra revenue from association with Disney that they couldn't get without using those characters.
Secondly, and more importantly -- those images are using promotional artwork (or derivatives) made by Disney whereas a youtuber is still using their own image in a costume.

It's an interpretation of an imaginary character, and i imagine it's protected under parody/fair use laws. Just try not to connect these characters to other companies ; using spiderman to parody marvel/comics is fair use because of existing association, whereas using spiderman to parody apple products might not be covered under fair use because there's no current association between those brands.
 
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