Why can Shrek use Disney characters in its movies and rides? Accurate
answer not an assumption on legal rights...detailed answer please.

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Request for Question Clarification by juggler-ga on 13 Jun 2004 13:14 PDT

I've located some basic information that answers your question.

  However, I don't know quite what to make of your request for a
"detailed answer." That seems to be at odds with how you've priced
this question.  You may wish to review Google Answers' pricing
guidelines.
http://answers.google.com/answers/pricing.html

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Clarification of Question by alwaysrelaxed-ga on 13 Jun 2004 16:28 PDT

Ha... I just did not want basic laws on what they can and can not do.
Just wanted a REAL reason it was done (ex. reference to an
agreement).. ha whatever... also this is the first time Ive seen this
google board so if you think your answer is sufficient just take the
two bucks. Fun stuff.

Okay.

From the Shrek FAQ:

'Q: Can DreamWorks get away with using Disney character's in its
movie? Aren't the characters copyright?
A: DreamWorks can "get away" with it because A) the movie is a parody
and B) Disney did not create the characters shown - they were
characters (and legends) created decades and centuries ago, many by
book authors.'
http://www.digitalmediafx.com/Shrek/shrekfaq.html


Also, USA Today had a good article on the subject and reported that
before Shrek was released, DreamWorks screened the film for Disney
executives and they had no problem with it.

See:

"On the other hand, he adds, DreamWorks screened the film in advance
for eight top Disney executives to make sure that they didn't object
to anything. (They didn't.)"
USA Today, 5/15/01, more information at:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/2001-05-15-shrek.htm


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search strategy:
shrek "disney characters"
shrek "disney executives"

I hope this helps.