Trademark question

If I create a graphic design of a fighter and sell it do I need to get permission from the fighter to use his likeness on it. I'd be using illustrations not photographs.

I have no problem paying a fighter to use their mug on the shirts but I was just curious.


I just found this article.

I think this kind of answers my question. Feel free to comment though. You are the experts, not me.

Short answer is no, unless he grants you specific license to do so.

You're using the image to cash in, not as an artistic expression. Pay the guy.

Bulk of that article is dealing with copyright & not trademark, FWIW.

Thanks Bark.

That is what I was thinking, but I wanted to make sure. Now for the hard part, getting ahold of fighters.