Does Hasbro Have A Copyright On The G4 Pony Shape?

[~Master~ Button Mash 2,307]

With all the talk of Hasbro's copyrights lately, I'm wondering, do they have the right to take down projects that involve OC ponies in the G4-style? Do they "own" the rights that collection of curves, shapes, and lines? Do they "own" that drawing style? Or just the names of the Mane 6 and most BG ponies?

Edited March 12, 2013 by AtomicBassCannon

[CloudFyre 848]

With all the talk of Hasbro's copyrights lately, I'm wondering, do they have the right to take down projects that involve OC ponies in the G4-style? Do they own that collection of curves, shapes, and lines? Or just the names of the Mane 6 and most BG ponies?

 

I believe it's the entire design - curves, movement, structure, color bases (for the main characters), etc. are all part of that single copyright. (Perhaps it's multiple smaller copyrights; I'm not sure.)

[~Master~ Button Mash 2,307]

I believe it's the entire design - curves, movement, structure, color bases (for the main characters), etc. are all part of that single copyright. (Perhaps it's multiple smaller copyrights; I'm not sure.)

Interesting. I didn't know you could copyright something like that without something quantifiable (for example, angle measurements between the legs and torso, neck curvature in degrees, head radius, etc). I know it's highly unlikely, but then couldn't someone out there in the world theoretically draw a cartoon equine in a style that coincidentally looks like an MLP pony? Or what about artists who create their own styles and characters, but are simply inspired by the MLP universe?

 

Doing a bit of Googling, and it seems like the concept of copyrighting shapes and colors is a hot debate.

[CloudFyre 848]

Interesting. I didn't know you could copyright something like that without something quantifiable (for example, angle measurements between the legs and torso, neck curvature in degrees, head radius, etc). I know it's highly unlikely, but then couldn't someone out there in the world theoretically draw a cartoon equine in a style that coincidentally looks like an MLP pony? Or what about artists who create their own styles and characters, but are simply inspired by the MLP universe?

 

Doing a bit of Googling, and it seems like the concept of copyrighting shapes and colors is a hot debate.

 

Yeah, it gets a bit crazy sometimes. On the other hand, it's a necessary evil. I can understand the need for it, even if it makes life a bit more...complicated.

 

If I was really inclined, I could get back in touch with the lawyer from Hasbro's legal department and ask directly...although I'm not sure I want to do that. XD

Edited March 12, 2013 by CloudFyre

[GrooveBroove 680]

Design wise can definitely be one of those things that can be disputed. Though obviously without lawyers and the like it would be hard to stand up to them.

[Icy Wonderbolt 34]

I think so because they hade it with G3 so I'm guessing that they have it for G4. Please don't be mad at me, I don't really know I'm just saying I THINK.

[Gone Airbourne 21,977]

Yeah I am pretty positive anything my little pony related belongs to hasbro in the end. I just hope they get to stingy about the whole thing and decide to wipe everyone's artwork etc. just because it is their copyright you know??!

[Eragonrde12 49]

I think the whole shape (but you know, that's just me, who needs MY opinion? Fine... I'll be over here in the corner if anypony needs me.), but they can't copyright ponies IRL because... other people own them .

[Fhaolan 4,483]

I'm not sure you can copyright the art style... wouldn't that be a trademark thing?

 

It's an excelent question, actually. I'm not sure where to even start researching that.

[Scootalove 10,689]

I think since Hasbro basically owns My Little Pony and everything labeled that is associated with it. ©

Like the art, animation, names, likenesses, etc.

I'm pretty sure that everything has a copyright, including the ponies. Everything, including the shape.