Question from a reader:
I’ve been assigned to handle the lottery at the summer festival, but the box I prepared is plain, and I want to do some decoration. I’m not confident in drawing illustrations, and I don’t have much time, so I’m considering copying and pasting character images from the internet. Is there a copyright issue with this? If anyone
is knowledgeable, please let me know.
The Truth About Decorating the Lottery Box for the Summer Festival and Copyright
The season of summer festivals has arrived! Personally, I have loved summer festivals since I was a child, and I participated every year with excitement. Since you’ve been assigned to handle the lottery, you’re thinking about how to decorate that box cutely. That’s a wonderful idea! However, there are some precautions to take regarding the idea of copying and pasting character images from the internet. Today, I’d like to talk about copyright.
What is copyright, anyway?
Copyright is the right granted to the person who creates a work. It is a law that protects creators’ works, such as books, music, paintings, movies, and character images. This right protects authors from unauthorized use or modification of their works. Therefore, using character images found online without permission is likely to constitute copyright infringement. For example, if I were to use an image of a character from my favorite anime without permission for decoration, it’s possible that I could receive a complaint from the production company of that anime. In fact, there are many cases where legal action is taken against copyright infringement, so caution is particularly necessary.
What happens if you use copyrighted images?
So, what happens if you copy and use character images from the internet? There are several scenarios. 1. You may receive a warning: A warning may come from the production company or copyright holder, saying something like, “Please do not use this image.” 2. You may be charged a usage fee: Ultimately, you might be charged a usage fee for using the image. This is especially something to be careful about in business contexts. 3. Legal action: In the worst case, legal action may be taken. While I don’t think it would escalate to that level just for a summer festival lottery, the risk is not zero.
So, what should you do?
Now, how can you decorate safely? There are several methods.
Think of an original design
You mentioned you’re not confident in drawing, but it might be fun to come up with simple illustrations or character ideas on your own. For example, you could use your favorite characters as references and draw an original character. Even if you’re not good at illustrations, combining simple shapes could lead to a cute design.
Use free materials
You may have heard the term “free materials,” which refers to images and illustrations that are copyright-free. These can be used for free or can be used after paying a licensing fee. Websites like Pixabay, Unsplash, and Illust AC offer a lot of free materials, so be sure to check them out.
Look for characters with clear copyright
Recently, there are more characters available that can be used freely without copyright issues. If the licensing is clear, you can use them with peace of mind. Additionally, searching for open-source characters or materials that allow commercial use is also a good approach.
Conclusion
The lottery at the summer festival is an exciting event for participants. If the box is attractive, it will be even more lively. However, copying character images from the internet carries the risk of infringing copyright, so caution is necessary. Consider using original ideas or free materials to create decorations that you can truly enjoy. Understanding copyright is especially important when working in the entertainment industry, so I hope this opportunity helps deepen your understanding. I wish you a wonderful summer festival! May everyone have a great time!
