Can I Use That?: Copyrighted Characters in Library Programs

My favorite question to ask patrons is “What programs do you want to see at your library?” My most successful ideas come from answers to this question. Usually, the answer is pop culture related. Programs about Taylor Swift, Dog Man, Bluey, and Paw Patrol are always in high demand. Pop culture programs are often wildly successful. While running a pop culture program can be fun, it can also be difficult. Most pop culture characters are protected by copyright and trademark protections.

Copyright and Trademark

Copyright and trademark are legal protections for creators. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, copyright is “a type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression”. Trademarks are similar, and often cover designs used to identify goods and services, like logos. Many of our patrons’ favorite characters are protected under both copyright and trademark protections. For example, the Bluey character is copyrighted, and the Bluey logo is trademarked.

If you don’t have permission from the copyright holder to hold an event, you may receive a cease-and-desist letter, asking you to cancel the program. Some copyright holders are more lenient than others. Keep in mind that this may change over time. One library might hold an event based around a copyrighted character with no issues, but another library may receive a cease-and-desist letter for a similar event two months later.

Copyrighted Character Visits

If you are having a character visit, make sure to rent a licensed costume. It should be listed on the website. The costume description will use the character’s full name, and say the name of the copyright holder. Some costume rentals may instead list a disclaimer that their characters are not copyrighted, and any copyright infringement is unintentional. If you use one of these costumes, keep in mind that you may receive a cease-and-desist letter.

If getting permission for a nationally known character is too expensive or challenging, consider having a mascot from a local business or a character from a locally-produced TV show. These characters and mascots will excite your patrons, and since the businesses are local, they may be more affordable.

You can also consider having one of your patrons’ favorite book characters come for a visit. Book publishers are usually willing to work with libraries and schools, since we all have the same goal of connecting kids with books they will love. One of the most fun days I had as a librarian is when I got to dress up as Pete the Cat!

How does your library handle running programs with copyrighted and trademarked characters?

Ann Baillie (she/her/hers) is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at the Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library in Alsip, Illinois. She is a past-manager of the Illinois Library Association’s Youth Services Forum. Her main interests are the connection between Readers’ Advisory and technology, and how libraries can use technology to better reach patrons.

This post addresses ALSC Core Competencies III. Programming Skills.

The post Can I Use That?: Copyrighted Characters in Library Programs appeared first on ALSC Blog.

 My favorite question to ask patrons is “What programs do you want to see at your library?” My most successful ideas come from answers to this question. Usually, the answer is pop culture related. Programs about Taylor Swift, Dog Man, Bluey, and Paw Patrol are always in high demand. Pop culture programs are often wildly successful. While running a pop culture program can be fun, it can also be difficult. Most pop culture characters are protected by copyright and trademark protections. Copyright and Trademark Copyright and trademark are legal protections for creators. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, copyright is “a type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression”. Trademarks are similar, and often cover designs used to identify goods and services, like logos. Many of our patrons’ favorite characters are protected under both…
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