There have been many of this type of “crossover” comic strips in recent years, and I’ve always wondered about the legal aspects. Are Lio and Peanuts features offered by the same syndicate? Would that get around copyright issues?
The technicalities are not always intuitive. For example, if a copyright or trademark holder ignores unauthorized use of their protected material, it can be legally regarded as “abandoning” the trademark or copyright. For example, if a children’s charity created a clown spokescharacter called Donald McRonald, people would probably be mad at McDonald’s if they sued the charity for copyright violation. But if McDonald’s simply ignored such usage, they’d put themselves in jeopardy of losing their legal ownership of their own spokesclown, Ronald McDonald.
Otherhandwise, if a cartoon wrongly implied immoral behavior to a well known public figure, the real person probably couldn’t successfully sue because there is first amendment protection against libel accusations if the representation can be regarded as satire or parody. I think this is considered as “fair use” legally. Think political cartoons.
I remember that Marvel and DC once decided to join forces to claim legal use of the term “superhero.” Since both had used it for decades, neither could deny it to the other, but together they hoped to prevent other publishers from using it. I believe the Archie branded “super” crimefighters were referred to as “ultra-heroes” to avoid legal issues. I know there were court challenges to the DC/Marvel arrangement but I don’t know where all that finally went.All of which brings me to today’s Lio. Was formal permission needed to use Linus? Or is this considered a parody/fair use matter? Or something else? My reason for wanting to know? Simple curiosity.
Given Lio’s frequently depicted relationship with the denizens of realms fantastique, he’s probably on first name terms with the actual for-really Great Pumpkin. I’d like to see him, maybe next Halloween, confabbing with His Great Gourdness and persuading him to visit Linus’s pumpkin patch in recognition of the little guy’s devotion.
Some have depicted what would happen if Bible Quoting Pagan Linus got his wish. Most of them were unpleasant outcomes. You see the Great Pumpkin needs blood sacrifices should “he” come to this dimension.
bluegirl285 over 6 years ago
Oh, no! It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Everybody run for your lives!
Adiraiju over 6 years ago
Careful, Lio. Linus’s been around. Kid’s got a grasp of theology that’ll send some of your friends running for the hills!
jpayne4040 over 6 years ago
Linus may have a much different opinion of the Great Pumpkin after this!
jimmjonzz Premium Member over 6 years ago
There have been many of this type of “crossover” comic strips in recent years, and I’ve always wondered about the legal aspects. Are Lio and Peanuts features offered by the same syndicate? Would that get around copyright issues?
The technicalities are not always intuitive. For example, if a copyright or trademark holder ignores unauthorized use of their protected material, it can be legally regarded as “abandoning” the trademark or copyright. For example, if a children’s charity created a clown spokescharacter called Donald McRonald, people would probably be mad at McDonald’s if they sued the charity for copyright violation. But if McDonald’s simply ignored such usage, they’d put themselves in jeopardy of losing their legal ownership of their own spokesclown, Ronald McDonald.
Otherhandwise, if a cartoon wrongly implied immoral behavior to a well known public figure, the real person probably couldn’t successfully sue because there is first amendment protection against libel accusations if the representation can be regarded as satire or parody. I think this is considered as “fair use” legally. Think political cartoons.
I remember that Marvel and DC once decided to join forces to claim legal use of the term “superhero.” Since both had used it for decades, neither could deny it to the other, but together they hoped to prevent other publishers from using it. I believe the Archie branded “super” crimefighters were referred to as “ultra-heroes” to avoid legal issues. I know there were court challenges to the DC/Marvel arrangement but I don’t know where all that finally went.All of which brings me to today’s Lio. Was formal permission needed to use Linus? Or is this considered a parody/fair use matter? Or something else? My reason for wanting to know? Simple curiosity.Plods with ...™ over 6 years ago
Aw… that’s so sweet of Lio
kathybear over 6 years ago
Well, it’s not the Family Circus – yet.
rshive over 6 years ago
Now that’s a Great Pumpkin.
Happy, happy, happy!!! over 6 years ago
Love it!
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 6 years ago
Beautifully rendered to.
tigerchik32 over 6 years ago
Not as wild as the Simpsons version, but funny
Sisyphos over 6 years ago
Is Lio belittling Linus’s belief in the Great Pumpkin, or is he encouraging it? Is Lio a believer?
The Great Pumpkin is coming! Linus will soon have some confirmation….
jimmjonzz Premium Member over 6 years ago
Given Lio’s frequently depicted relationship with the denizens of realms fantastique, he’s probably on first name terms with the actual for-really Great Pumpkin. I’d like to see him, maybe next Halloween, confabbing with His Great Gourdness and persuading him to visit Linus’s pumpkin patch in recognition of the little guy’s devotion.
UpaCoCoCreek Premium Member over 6 years ago
At least someone is willing to sit out there with him!
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 6 years ago
Some have depicted what would happen if Bible Quoting Pagan Linus got his wish. Most of them were unpleasant outcomes. You see the Great Pumpkin needs blood sacrifices should “he” come to this dimension.
rgcviper over 6 years ago
[Knock, knock] “Guess whoooo … ?”
Good one.
Seeker149 Premium Member over 6 years ago
Jack couldn’t make it so he asked Lio to fill in.