Question about Copyright

[Thorin]

Ok, so I was wondering, if I were to make a sprite of something that has been copyrighted, would I get in trouble if I made it, even though this game is free?
I'm not sure if this question has been asked before, but I would really like to know.

EDIT:Ok, here's the sprite I made. First, I'll let you guess where it's from, then see if you can figure out which Wesnoth unit I used as the skeleton for it .

[Rex Umbrarum]

Linkage
Short answer: You would get in trouble from the developers of Wesnoth, if not any sort of legal punishment.

[Mica]

Generally we don't take legal action, but it's not allowed on the add-on server and highly discouraged. Action might be taken if it's continued.

[Turuk]

What we do encourage is that you try to come up with your own ideas, possibly using something that is familiar to you (which may be copyrighted), as long as you DO NOT use any names, places, recognizable characters or figures.... so on and so forth. So as you can see it becomes much easier to come up with your own ideas, but popular fantasy can make a great springboard to get your imagination going.

[woodmouse]

I don't know about these things, but I have a question too:
-If I'm making a sprite and I like a (sword for example) of something that is from something copyrighted, and I don't take parts from anything that is copyrighted, but I draw the (sword for example) really close to the copyrighted thing, am I allowed to do that?

[Turuk]

That depends, weapons are not usually copyrighted as they follow a basic design that is used quite frequently. However if you are imitating a more unique and well-known weapon, then there could be a problem. What did you have in mind?

[woodmouse]

I have nothing in mind, I just asked.

[zookeeper]

Ok, so I was wondering, if I were to make a sprite of something that has been copyrighted, would I get in trouble if I made it, even though this game is free?

Well, it depends. I guess it's ok if the sprite can reasonably be interpreted as depicting something else. If you draw a 72x72 sprite of Darth Vader then it's pretty darn obvious that he isn't depicting some other character you just came up with yourself, but if if you draw a 72x72 sprite of the Emperor then no one can really argue that it couldn't just as well be some other old man with a cloak.

[thespaceinvader]

Intent and use of the sprite would be important in that case, i think, zookeeper. if you created a sprite of an old guy in a hooded blue cloak who shoots likghtning out of his hands, and used it in a fantasy setting as an old master mentor to the hero, it would be fine. The same sprite used as the emperor of a sci fi evil empire might be ok. The same sprite used in a star wars derivative campaign as Emperor Palpatine definitely owuld not be.

[Thorin]

ok, thanks for all the answers, it would be ok if I used it on a private basis though, right? Like if I make a map just for me to play, that's not breaking the law is it?
Also, would it be ok to post the sprite to get comments about it? If not, I understand, I just want some imput on it because it's my first try and I think I did an ok job but I'm sure I could improve it. Thanks again.

[thespaceinvader]

Both those instances would be generally OK, i think. Copyrighted material won't get into the game or the UMC server, but posting a sprite you made based on such material for con crit would probably be acceptable. And what you do on your own computer makes absolutely no difference =D

[Thorin]

Ok, thanks.
I'm gonna edit the first post to include the sprite I made. Too bad I couldn't make an era out of this , oh well.

[Turuk]

For a first go, the sprite is not bad at all, but I would think about the size of the sword. It is easily as big as he is if it was stood next to him, but he's holding it in one hand. Not only would he have to be extremely strong, that is a very awkward position to be standing in, holding it out like that.

[thespaceinvader]

You'd be better off starting a new thread so people won't expect copyright questions ratehr than sprites.

And it's based off the thief. Looks like a good start.

[mrmoose]

you used a dark adept as the skelton of the sprite right? also i think it looks nice but as suggested already the sword needs to be smaller. also i have no idea who he is so for copyright infringment i think you are ok.