There is some information here. Scroll down to Works of the Visual Arts. I guess if you're really not sure then you might want to call the phone number they offer at the bottom of that page and ask them directly. Best way to get correct information on this subject is to go right to the source, the Copyright Office :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Copyright

If you are using these for more than personal use, it is a copyright infringement. Even a likeness of the characters to portray registered characters is againest the law. Disney, Coca Cola, Warner Brothers, Most Colleges are not playing around anymore. They are pressing charges and really hitting the little folks hard to make a point.

Too many importers have pushed all the buttons and really made it hard for those who only make a dollar or two on the likeness'.

ginger

If you're PURCHASING the stickers, there's no problem with attaching them to your project. As long as you don't alter or reproduce the images in any way.
When you purchase the sticker or image, the licensee (owner) is paid. You can then "resell" the image on your work. Just don't copy anything or reproduce anything, that's all.

I finally got my many many stickers organized last night and I had to open many of the packages. Most of them had a disclaimer on the back that the enclosed stickers were for private use only and not to be used on items for sale. You might want to check the packaging of any stickers you might want to use on saleable items. Mine are all for personal use so I didn't care. Hope this helps!

See, you get many different answers from many different people, that's why I suggested going right to the source on that link above LOL! Never hurts to be sure if you're wondering :)

Sorry, you cannot resale those items as part of your work...they were purchased for personal use only not with authorized resale liscense from the owners of the copyrights.

If you need an exact information on this process contact the websites of Disney-Warner Brothers-etc....they state it very clearly as will any lawyer who knows copy and trademark law.

ginger

Just a thought...what about selling the item, then GIVING AWAY the sticker....to add to the item. You could even make the sign to go with that says "FREE STICKER OF YOUR CHOICE with purchase". As long as you aren't "selling" the sticker that is copyright, and technically you aren't if you are giving it away free.

I know that is trying to jump through a loophole. But I don't know about you, but I am tired of these licensing people putting out supplies with their logo (like material) then telling us we can't make stuff for resale. We, (small crafters) aren't mass producing or making tons of money either. I understand saying you can't paint a design onto something and sell it, as that means they got no $$ off of it anywhere. But material, stickers, wrapping paper, ect...they already got paid once for the use.

I can walk through a craft show and point out about 90% infringement. Then there are those that buy/sell, while that isn't illegal, it is when they cut the tags off that say "made in China". Only the end user is allowed to cut off the tags.