search for copyright laws?

[asktriplets]

hi everyone.

{wasn't sure where to post this...i posted on the "just for fun" board, but thought this might belong here, as it is in regards to trip planning/touring.}

i'm hoping someone here would be able to give me a clue as to how to look up some specific copyright info. for disney world. i know that characters and likenesses, the wdw name, and (i'm sure) even the fonts are copyrighted. what i'm looking for is info. about if it is ever ok to refer to wdw and use the wdw name in something you are selling....

i'm just trying to figure out where to start an internet search---i tried a few times and i get about a bazillion sites and i can't figure out how to narrow it down.

the reason i'm asking is because there are a few "friends of friends" that i know that are willing to pay me to put together some basic touring info. for them. i'm trying to figure out if i can do this legally while getting paid for it (and no, i'm not a travel agent). it would all be info. that is "out there" anyway, it'd just be a matter of putting it together for them.

if anyone has any insight, i'd appreciate it!

thanks,
__________________
ask
mom to 3 tigger-lovin' 3 year olds

 

[daisylove]

Try here
http://www.copyright.gov/
It is the U.S. copyright office. And in general the answer is no you cannot use anything that is owned with a copyright by someone else without their permission. Owners/Authors of the original work are granted certain exclusive rights by the granting of the copyright. For a certain period of time (life of author plus 75years) no one else gets to sell, display, or copy this work without the permission of the owner/author. The only exception would be for a fair use which normally precludes you making a profit. It is usually just for parody, criticism or education. hope this helps.

If all you are doing istaking information in the public domain withoutusing WDw's trademarks or copyrights and mot for mass consumption it may be ok. Depends on what you do with it.

 

[DisneyGeek2000]

Disney Guidebook authors refer to WDW all the time, as do websites such as this one.

I know that Len Testa of the unofficial guide frequents these boards, and the passporter folks have their own boards. I am sure you can ask over there too.

You may even want to drop a line to Tourguide Mike, our new corporate sponsor.

As long as you are not taking copy word for word from the Disney website, I see no issues.

Michael

 

[micksterlee]

put the info in a binder and sell your friends the binder and give the info free.That way they aren t paying you for anything but a binder they can use to put items in they may collect on their own.

 

[Briarprincess]

The easiest way to make sure you're covered- a "works cited" page. I know it sounds silly, but you are not stealing anyone's work if you give credit. So doing a full-fledged bibliography (spelling??) will cover you. There are a ton of sites that will explain how to do it correctly.

 

[asktriplets]

Disney Guidebook authors refer to WDW all the time, as do websites such as this one.

I know that Len Testa of the unofficial guide frequents these boards, and the passporter folks have their own boards. I am sure you can ask over there too.

You may even want to drop a line to Tourguide Mike, our new corporate sponsor.

As long as you are not taking copy word for word from the Disney website, I see no issues.

Michael

thanks for your thoughts. this is exactly what i was wondering about... does EVERYONE who ever sells info. on the parks get permission (i suppose the better question would be is everyone SUPPOSE to get permission)?

hmmm... i had actually thought about posting on TGM (was a subscriber for my nov. trip and loved it and am ready to sign up for this yr's trip!).

thanks again,

 

[asktriplets]

Try here
http://www.copyright.gov/
It is the U.S. copyright office. And in general the answer is no you cannot use anything that is owned with a copyright by someone else without their permission. Owners/Authors of the original work are granted certain exclusive rights by the granting of the copyright. For a certain period of time (life of author plus 75years) no one else gets to sell, display, or copy this work without the permission of the owner/author. The only exception would be for a fair use which normally precludes you making a profit. It is usually just for parody, criticism or education. hope this helps.

If all you are doing istaking information in the public domain withoutusing WDw's trademarks or copyrights and mot for mass consumption it may be ok. Depends on what you do with it.

thanks for the link..i guess i'm even stuck on whether or not i can use the name "Walt Disney World" in something i would be getting money for, as that is copyrighted....i suppose i have quite a bit of reading to do.

thanks again,

 

[asktriplets]

micksterlee- interesting spin, especially if i'm just doing some basic plans and info.. thanks.

briarprincess-good point, thanks. i wasn't planning on using any info. specific to any particular author, just more basic stuff like, "check the ride info. on the maps WDW sent you to make sure your kids meet the height requirement ", and "most people agree that the best time to go is first thing in the morning". that reminds me, though, that i was also wondering if i can add some website recommendations? more stuff to look up.....

thanks again,