What would you do if someone took your dream away. crying helps?

Question:I work so hard I was very young at the time insummer time of 1983 I created cartoon character I call them The eyes I'm a honest person kindheart, I dream that my cartoon character would come to life on TV one day I try to find aagent. but it was to costly. so I had a artist to redraw them so I could present them to compaine and children network.I send copys of my copyright and a print copy of my character. I wait for answers when I recived a letterThey told me I need a entertainment agent.. and six month later I saw my character on a cereal commercials it hurt me so bad I begain to feel depression and hurt because I no I was not in any position do anything I never felt so disgusited and hurt in my life I did this for my special kids hopeing that I could buy a nice home and van for my 3 special kids. that was my dream but i fell them. and to day I still see cartoon character who look like my character. I said what the use of creating a something and someone in power take it away from

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I work so hard I was very young at the time insummer time of 1983 I created cartoon character I call them The eyes I'm a honest person kindheart, I dream that my cartoon character would come to life on TV one day I try to find aagent. but it was to costly. so I had a artist to redraw them so I could present them to compaine and children network.I send copys of my copyright and a print copy of my character. I wait for answers when I recived a letterThey told me I need a entertainment agent.. and six month later I saw my character on a cereal commercials it hurt me so bad I begain to feel depression and hurt because I no I was not in any position do anything I never felt so disgusited and hurt in my life I did this for my special kids hopeing that I could buy a nice home and van for my 3 special kids. that was my dream but i fell them. and to day I still see cartoon character who look like my character. I said what the use of creating a something and someone in power take it away from

If you copyrighted the design (and have the papers from the copyright office to prove it) and it's identical to what they have in the commercial, then you send them a cease and decist letter.

If you don't have the papers, you can still send the company a strongly worded letter, also containing the image you did plus the copyright date, explaining you'd sent a query with the artwork on whatever date you sent it, (list the address and name of the person you sent it to) and that you're not happy that your character was stolen.

A lawyer can be consulted about how to word the letter, or better yet to write the letter for you. They have a free consultation for 1/2 hour or an hour, depending on the lawyer. Just check your phone book and call to set up a consultation meeting.

But your character will need to be identical to what was shown, and you'll need pictures of the character that was on the commercial. AND any proof of the date you came up with the character.

You can sue them. You can file with your complaint a request for waiver of fees, which means you won't have to pay to file the paperwork in court if the court agrees that you don't have the money. Try it. Hopefully too much time has not gone by as there are time limits on suing.

this happens all the time. i had a friend who designed a t-shirt for threadless.com, then shortly after, hot topic stole her design and only changed one thing to make it different.

you should seek an attorney to sue.

this really isn't right. especially if you have proof that you worked on the design and inception of this animated character long before they implemented the new character.

best of luck.

(she seems to be doing well in the law suit. corporate america has gone NUTS!)

Since you did get a copyright, then you do have rights. Get a lawyer. Most lawyers in cases like these will work for you and only collect their fees if you win.

Edit: In the meantime, stop putting your life on hold. Your creativity did not end with only ONE character. If you did it once, you can do it again. Start creating, start doing. When you do sue the company, write to the newspapers, so that you get credit in the public eye. (Have somebody edit your letter before it goes out, to catch common mistakes, like spelling and grammar.)

Also, keep in mind that one animation will most likely not support your family. It takes years. It means even letting stuff go for free, in return for the credit. In the meantime, you might want to take your portfolio and apply for jobs in Character Development, working for video game or cartoon companies.

Remember "imitation is the greatest form of flattery." Every time you see that stolen image on a cereal box, pat yourself on the back and remind yourself that your character was good enough to make it that far.

I can imagine how you feel. It must be the most frustrating thing there is. I would talk to a lawyer and fight for my rights. It's too unfair to be true.

You may have a legal case if you had your idea copywrited.Talk to a lawyer.

don't give up, persue any dream you have. who cares if someone is a freak to you? get something better, and rub it in their face. or better yet, be so incredibly kind to them, that they'll kill themselves for doing it to you. above all, be careful who you trust, i'm sorry that happened to you, but don't give up. trials are a part of life.

Consult a lawyer.