Is the cartoon character Andy Capp copyrighted? How can I find out for sure?
Answer:
Copyright exists and protects the physical manifestation or tangible expression of an idea and not the idea itself. A cartoon or any image/ illustration placed on paper is automatically protected under copyright law and you can bet your life that Andy Capp is protected and you will need the owners permisssion to utilise the character in any for-profit/ commercial use.
"Fair use" such as news purpose, public utility, research, parody, etc. are some exceptions where copyright protection is usually relaxed and you are allowed to make use of others Intellectual property.
And Capp is copyrighted. You need to call the publishing company. Here is a clipping for toonpedia.
http://www.toonopedia.com/andycapp.htm.
Andy Capp is copyrighted, but his creator, Reg Smythe, died in 1998, so the rights would be held by his estate.
Smythe was a British cartoonist, and his family is likely in Britain. Globe and Mail (who published his cartoons) should be able to tell you how to contact Capp's agent.
Good for you for trying to do the right thing. Too many people just use copyrighted material without ever asking permission.
The answers post by the user, for information only, BAnswer.com does not guarantee the right.
Other Questions and Answers: