Apologies if this has been discussed before but I have searched and cannot find any mention of it.
I am in the process of starting up a small business whereby I hire out or make appearances as lookalike cartoon character costumes. These costumes, also known as mascots, are lookalikes of cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse, Dora the Explorer, Buzz Lightyear, Hello Kitty and Peppa Pig.
The costumes I will be using are not identical in look to the original characters but are obviously comparable to the actual characters.
My intention is to advertise them as lookalike characters, i.e lookalike peppa pig costume, lookalike minnie mouse costume etc. I will be making no suggestion that they are the original licensed characters and will follow the theme that they are lookalikes only. I intend to get customers to sign a terms and conditions page when they are used outlining that they understand that they are lookalikes only.
I would like to know where I stand with this and copyright law. I understand that all of the characters are licensed however i need to establish if there are ways around this and if by labelling them as lookalikes this avoids any possible infringement.
I am keen to stay within the law and will do whatever it takes to do so. There are a large number of such companies in existence doing a similar sort of thing and the majority have such a comment plastered over there sites -
"We are not associated or affiliated with and TV, film or entertainment company. Our unofficial homemade tribute lookalike costumes are all part of a personal and private collection and appear for fun at all events. We do not claim to be any original TV or Film character, only lookalikes. All our charges and quotes are our expenses only. We do not sell to third parties or provide any official merchandise or official costumes".
Please can someone with knowledge advise me on the subject matter and if relevant provide me with links to the legislation that covers the matter.
Many Thanks in advance
