Copyright question Thread

Hi everyone, I am planning to develop my own game, but I would like to use others game characters like Sonic, Link, Bowser, etc. I have seen other indie games like IWBTG, Abobo Big Adventure, Super Mario Crossover do that too. The only difference is that I will make my own sprites and sounds of the characters used and this will be a non profit game too.
Will I have some problem or legal issues with that?

It's not like you're getting arrested for it, but depending on the characters you choose to use you may get a not so polite mail from the copyright owner demanding that you cease developing. Square is known for doing so, many Chrono Trigger fan sequels got lost due to that.
But most of the time is just ok – ok does not mean “legal”, but no man in black will go to your house hunting you down.

To be honest, I don't believe that that has any issue whatsoever. If I were you, I would state that the original makers of the characters are whoever made it, and give them the appropriate credit for it, then it shouldn't be an issue at all. It would perhaps be a good idea to just write to the devs of those characters and ask for permission, but if you don't receive any response just go ahead and do it. Especially if there's no money involved (= non profit game) it shouldn't be an issue.

well, you already know it's illegal to use others work without permission (with some exceptions but I doubt they apply here). Sooooo.... the only question that remains is do you want to forge ahead and risk getting a cease and desist letter or use something else for your art.

I doubt that you'd get a C&D for an unknown game by an unknown person that's most likely going to be barely played. I *DOUBT* but hey, it's possible.