Pixel Joint Forum: usage of sprite "style" -- infringing?

Message

   Hi there.

I am just curious (and well aware that this is not legal advice).

I am planning an 8-bit game, and doing the artwork.

I immensely enjoy the art style of the 8 bit megaman sprites. If one were to create their own sprite with the same animation stances, would that be infringement in your eyes? 

Just curious.

Author	Message
hlx Seaman Joined: 07 November 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 22	Topic: usage of sprite "style" -- infringing? Posted: 09 January 2014 at 7:16am
	Hi there. I am just curious (and well aware that this is not legal advice). I am planning an 8-bit game, and doing the artwork. I immensely enjoy the art style of the 8 bit megaman sprites. If one were to create their own sprite with the same animation stances, would that be infringement in your eyes? Just curious.
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jalonso Admiral Joined: 29 November 2022 Online Status: Offline Posts: 13537	Posted: 09 January 2014 at 7:50am
	It depends on you much you 'copy' their sprites and especiallt the actual pixel placements. If derivative and NFP then its just fanart/ref'd.
	PJs FAQ <•> Sticky Reads
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hlx Seaman Joined: 07 November 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 22	Posted: 09 January 2014 at 8:03am
	Ok, so here's a case study. This is not my work, but found via Google. http://nsprites.smackjeeves.com/comics/1454263/8-bit-ninja-wip/ If he were to use that in a for profit game, would he be in hot water?
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Sharm Seaman Joined: 18 April 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1	Posted: 09 January 2014 at 3:37pm
	I'd say so. That's clearly an edit, not inspired by. Look at it this way: If you had made the sprites for Megaman and found someone doing what you're planning on doing to your work, would it bother you?
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unanimousarc Seaman Joined: 11 April 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1	Posted: 12 April 2014 at 7:16am
	I have this sprite here which is kind of concept art for a new game I want to make, is it too similar to another well known game? Spoiler: sword and sworcery
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StoneStephenT Commander Joined: 08 April 2021 Online Status: Offline Posts: 252	Posted: 13 April 2014 at 2:43pm
	You can’t really copyright a ‘style’; copyright protects a finished work, not the process behind it or the ‘style’ displayed through that work. That said: if you gank Mega Man sprites and edit them, you run the risk of putting yourself in a bad way. If you make a sprite that merely resembles Mega Man without using any of the well-known ‘parts’ of the Mega Man sprite, you probably won’t have too much to worry about.
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Rahzmahaztahz Seaman Joined: 24 June 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Posted: 26 June 2014 at 2:04pm
	Capcom are bankrupt, so you run high risk of a lawsuit for money if they catch you Maybe wait until they are dissolved in the next few months? Just my opinion.
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