KnightStix
Caped Crusader
Registered: 02-2004
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Posts: 2200
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Charity Appearances
OK, here goes... I was contacted by a local wildlife sanctuary / animal rescue organization to make an appearance as Batman at their annual Halloween party and fundraiser this October. They're going to do an educational presentation and party theme based on the local bat species - and who better than Batman to be the man of the hour??? 
Anyway, we come to the obstacle of advertising and publicizing the event. One of the attractions would be a chance to pay to get a picture made with Batman with all of the proceeds going to benefit the animal rescue sanctuary. Our question is: How do we advertise Batman's presence without getting into the whole legel problem with DC/WB? I'm sure that it wouldn't even be known of by them, but just in case, we want to avoid any legal problems for the wildlife sanctuary. I know that several of you do non-profit charity work and I'm wondering how you get around it.
Does this, since it is non-profit, qualify under the whole fair usage thing? Since people are paying for something, even though it is a benefit, is that seen as "someone" profiting from the image of Batman? Just wondering if it even matters and if we should even be worrying about it. Thanks in advance for any input.
:up
Last edited by Deadly Lemur, 3/29/2008, 11:17 pm
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7/18/2006, 4:14 pm
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89Batman
Registered: 04-2005
Location: London England
Posts: 3117
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Re: A question for all you who do or have done charity appearances as The Bat!
Hey sorry I can't help you with the legal answers but if it were me and I had these concerns I'd contact WB/DC myself and ask! I would make the question non-specific as far as the particular event but just as a general enquiry as if charity events were something you were considering.
I hope you work it out as it sounds like a great idea!
--- Things change...
Even Cinderella went on 'till 12
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7/18/2006, 5:14 pm
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KnightStix
Caped Crusader
Registered: 02-2004
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Posts: 2200
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Re: A question for all you who do or have done charity appearances as The Bat!
Thanks... I thought of that and probably will end up doing it. I'm just trying to take an approach that doesn't call any unnecessary attention to us as costumers and the whole unlicensed, fan-made costume realm. I'll see if I can come up with a way to pose the question to them anonymously.
BUT... if anyone has dealt with this or knows anything about it, I'd really appreciate your input.
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7/18/2006, 5:23 pm
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TheLionWaits
Sidekick
Registered: 11-2005
Location: Here, alone.
Posts: 409
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Re: A question for all you who do or have done charity appearances as The Bat!
Okay, this is what I got from DC a few years ago, things may have changed, but I have NOT had any difficulty...
THe charity appearance should be okay AS LONG AS IT IS A LOCAL EVENT! If advertising goes to a regional area coverage, then there will be problems, especially if it goes past a statewide area. City wide, county-wide advertising I've never had a problem with, and this seems like a local deal so you should be okay.
Another thing is payment. If you are doing this for charity and aren't receiving a compensation for your time monetarily, there won't be a problem. Any funds generated by you for the charity goes to the charity won't be a problem. Things like water/liquid refreshment, food are pretty much blown off as a necessity (damn suits get gawdawful hot).
THe MAIN thing to remember is to stay true to the character without getting carried away. You just need to present a positive, role-model-like representation, don't become a horse's patoot and do what your client requests without compromising characterization are a go.
I hope t his helps somewhat.
Cheers!
---
After a flutter of wings and the rush of air, the alley predators were left trussed and beaten by what the police termed as the Gotham "Urban Legend"
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7/18/2006, 6:29 pm
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Shadowbat69
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Registered: 07-2004
Location: In the shadows
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Re: A question for all you who do or have done charity appearances as The Bat!
Ive been in this situation and to be completely honest, we didnt worry about the WB stuff. Youre right, chances are they arent even gonna know about. What we did tho is on the flyers and posters it was advertised that "the bat" would be there and "picture oppertunities" would be available. Seperately, it was stated that all proceeds would go for whatever. At the event itself more detailed info was provided.
When it comes down to it i dont sweat the Big Brother coming down on me. Im doing this stuff for the enjoyment of doing it. If they want to come after me in ol Ohio, well, i got a custom batarang to shove up their ......
---
“Do you know the terror of he who falls asleep? To the very toes he is terrified, because the ground gives way under him, and the dream begins.”
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7/18/2006, 6:35 pm
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KnightStix
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Registered: 02-2004
Location: Jupiter, Florida
Posts: 2200
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Re: A question for all you who do or have done charity appearances as The Bat!
That helps tremendously guys. I'm doing this soley on a volunteer basis and am hoping to help further a good community cause. Thanks so much for the info...
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7/18/2006, 6:49 pm
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BATtalion
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Registered: 10-2004
Location: Southcentral PA
Posts: 415
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Re: A question for all you who do or have done charity appearances as The Bat!
Just bumping to resurrect this conversation.
I am exploring the idea of doing appearances for Make-a-wish. There is an annual truck convoy in my area and I may appear at the starting point to take pics with the kids. I don't think I'll be raising any money and I won't be paid.
Has anyone had any trademark difficulties?
Has anyone done similar work with Make-a-wish?
If not, I'll be glad to report when I have some solid info.
Chris
--- "Never rub another man's rhubarb."
Chris
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1/9/2007, 12:41 pm
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paulv70
Caped Crusader
Registered: 03-2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1631
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Re: A question for all you who do or have done charity appearances as The Bat!
This is pure speculation but I can't believe they'd go after anyone volunteering for the Make a Wish Foundation.
The solid points seem to be, only do it for charities, don't advertise on a big scale, stay true to the character and don't do anything that would prompt a headline like "Batman goes berserk and kills 50 people" and don't get paid.
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1/9/2007, 1:20 pm
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BATtalion
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Registered: 10-2004
Location: Southcentral PA
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Re: A question for all you who do or have done charity appearances as The Bat!
Good Advice.
Is it ok if 'maim' 50?
--- "Never rub another man's rhubarb."
Chris
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1/9/2007, 2:19 pm
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isshogai
Dark Knight
Registered: 05-2005
Posts: 745
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Re: A question for all you who do or have done charity appearances as The Bat!
I've done a few appearances for Down Syndrome Ireland. Contatced the WB, they first asked which state Dublin was in and I ahd to point out it was in Ireland...after that they pretty much just told me keep up the charaters rep and dignity (which considering Batman and Robin I found very funny).
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1/9/2007, 5:03 pm
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