Help me not get sued!

[el Chi]

Well, potentially.
Basically, a friend and I are thinking of starting an animation (flash-based probably) on the internet based around three game characters (plus other games, and films, characters as guests etc). Now, if we use images of the characters in question to make these and mock them somewhat - not maliciously you understand - what's the likelihood some company might take offence and forcibly coax us into shutting it down?

 

[Lethal8472]

I dont think you will get in any trouble...you see it all the time on tv where they'll make a cameo of someone and call them by a different name...I would still give credit to the respective owners in the credits though just to be on the safe side.

 

[Direwolf]

Numerous people all do the same thing, most notably 8-bit theater. Of course, Brian Clevinger is God.

 

[Lethal8472]

Actually, you dont have to morph them in any way, and can even use their names, as long as you give credit where credit is due.

 

[spookymooky]

Parody's are completely legal, at least in the US. You should also put references or whatever in the credits. And, if you do somehow break the law, they will typically warn you before pursuing any kind of legal action.

 

[Bad^Hat]

Just call him Hordon

 

[Javert]

Anything of non-malicious intent and non-commercial should be fair game. Though some licenses are more stricter than others (Blizzard, Fox, and Disney to name a few).

 

[Cole]

Blizzard Entertainment ^_^ Ownage.