hello, my name is Dillon neighbors. I want to start a business in making wooden Japanese kokeshi dolls. Part of what I want to do is feature...

Question

hello, my name is Dillon neighbors. I want to start a business in making wooden Japanese kokeshi dolls. Part of what I want to do is feature certain TV or movie characters as subject matter. How do I go about legally being able to sell merchandise featuring another companies characters? especially characters from companies as large as say, Nintendo, when I am just a small, out-of-the-garage business? What do I have to do to be able to do this? what is required once I have started? I don't imagine Its as simple as shooting them an email to ask if its ok. so... what exactly should I do?

Answer

Generally, you would need to enter into a licensing agreement with them. Licensing agreements can be structured in a variety of ways.