2

For example, this fan wiki page contains a list of some work that is now in the public domain.

As I understand it, it is legal to sell these works and even new works based on these. What is not so clear for me is what happens when you port over that work to another medium/art form.

It seems, from what I've read that it would be okay to make an extended version of the cartoon or to shoot a live version with actors, i.e. drop the cartoon element.

However, could one legally create and distribute a short video game based on these movies? A potential problem is that while the work has fallen into public domain, the characters are trademarked.

But if so, why is that not an issue if one produces an extended cut of the original?

Otherwise, under which criteria could this be done?

Improve this question
1

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

If it's in the public domain, it's in the public domain. You can do whatever you want with it, so yes, you could definitely make a video game. I cannot answer the trademark questions.

Improve this answer
2
  • This does not answer the question: while the film may have gone into public domain, the character designs may not have done that. OP wants to know what happens if they take the character designs from a film that is in public domain, and uses those designs for an extended film, or a computer game..
    – MichaelK
    Commented Nov 22, 2017 at 9:23
  • I don't know that. I said I don't know that.
    – Stackstuck
    Commented Nov 23, 2017 at 4:44

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .