Would it be legal to change the color of a trademarked image and put it on a sports jersey?
by 
Anonymous
ANSWERS: 3
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No it wouldn't, just changing one detail isn't enough to make it your own image.
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This reminds me of songwriters that will change a note, a bar or any small difference, in order to write a song without infringing on a song's copyright. More than a color change is definetely needed to prevent you from being sued.
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Yes, but more facts are needed to assess your plan. In fact, you DO NOT even need to change the color to use a trademarked image. A trademark does not give a person a monopoly on the mark. Rather, a trademark merely allows the owner to protect their goodwill by preventing others from using the mark in a way that would “dilute” or “create a likelihood of confusion” as to the origin of the product. However, a copyright does give a monopoly. Thus, if you are using a copyrighted image, you WOULD be infringing the copyright by using the image, even if you change it. Unless, of course, the purpose of using the mark is part of a free speech activity.
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