Copying, casting then sell/trading question.

[Chrispy]

Okay, I'm no legal expert but looking around my boxes of old minis, I've discovered a whole bunch of goodies from companies that simply don't exist anymore. (Rackham being represented the most). So- if company doesn't exist there should be no recourse if I make molds, cast the figures by myself and sell them- correct?
Or, does copyright law extend beyond the death of it's maker?
I'd just like to know BEFORE I put up a big list of things I can make for people. I can tell you that some companies and miniatures I have are from (the slow, dreaded) Newwave, 1999, and some loose ones by I-Kore, I believe. I could probably do all this "under the table", but of course this post will now be used as evidence in my copyright infringement lawsuit if I indeed work out my intentions.....
The pitfalls of being Chaotic Good. Stupid laws.

 

[grefven]

Make sure you do a good research as, even if Rackham has folded, the licence has been picked up by Legacy and is distrubuted by CMoN.

 

[Vern]

No, it’s illegal - just because a mini is not in production anymore, doesn’t mean the IP or production rights aren’t owned by someone.

From the examples you’ve given;

As mentioned, Rackham now owned by Legacy/Cmon (and widely (& cheaply!) pirated in any case)

Newave - I can see at least two under CMON Miniatures (& they ‘own’ Dark Age) so, presumably them

1999 - as far as I know still owned by Cell Entertainment (who, after losing interest, wanted big money for the range)

I-Kore - Void (Urban Mammoth) & Celtos (Brigade Models)

Of course, some of your originals might be worth something?

 

[Chrispy]

Ah, thanks for clearing that up Vern.
It's weird that GW will give out awards to people that admit they copy details and bits but vehemently hunt down forgers and such.

 

[Demihuman]

Chrispy you've got skills and tons of creativity. Why not start sculpting some add on pieces then cast and sell those. How about an alternate storm bolter to start? Or maybe some bases? I feel like there aren't a ton of good scifi bases.

 

[Wigdog]

I too agree that it is illegal to recast for sell these items. You see some of these being recast and sold out of some countries where the casters feel they can get away with it, but the intellectual property is still owned be the creator.