Parody Law?

[jonas]

I was searching Google for a fair use/parody law explaination but I can't really find anything specific.
Basically if I make a comic with Batman, or say Comet 7's characters making fun of something they do but in a different style.. would that be considered a parody?
What crosses the line and makes it a target for a lawsuit?

[Bacon McShig]

*alerts Kidnemo to ready the lawyers*

[ChaoofNee]

If i remember correctly from the whole Strawberry Shortcake - Penny Arcade debacle, anything goes. The worst you'll get is a "HAY STOP THAT I HAVE NO SENSE OF HUMOR" letter.

[YellerDog]

You can make fun of a trademark, but you can't use a trademark to make fun of another trademark.
Also, if it's Batman fucking Superman you're after, you'll probably get sued for that, too.
I imagine that cuts your options.

[jonas]

No, not really. I just want to see what's covered and what's not.
I mean I see so many things - like SNL. That make fun of characters by being those characters.
I don't intend to use say Spongebob to make fun of Ray Barone.

[Calliander]

I think Kidnemo would beat you up rather than sue you.

[Dolemite]

Parodies are judged on a case-by-case basis and the laws differ from state-to-state. But usually you can get away with A LOT when doing a parody. Normal copyright infringement laws don't really apply to parodies since by its very nature you need to let people know whom/what is it you're parodying.

I think Kidnemo would beat you up rather than sue you.

Yeah. He's a violent motherfucker.

[Mzo]

You also have to do something that's actually funny to count as parody, so you have that against you, too.

[MVS]

Ahhh, but what if your target isn't funny either?

[Mzo]

Then the internet loses =(