Questions to ask before sourcing character-branded products
Keep product references, commercial terms and evidence of artwork rights separate when reviewing a branded-product enquiry.
A logo is not the full evidence
A branded photograph shows what an item looks like; it does not establish the rights available to a buyer. Ask who is supplying the product, what entity issued the relevant documentation, and which parties and products it covers. Do not rely on a cropped logo or a website badge.
Match the scope to your project
Prepare questions about the product category, territory, sales channel, validity dates and named production facility where applicable. If one point is not clear, leave it unresolved and ask for clarification. A permission covering one market or category should not be assumed to cover another.
Keep historical evidence in context
An older authorization or audit can describe past work, but it is not proof of present permission or current facility status. Review dates and any conditions with the relevant parties. On this website, historical evidence is redacted for privacy and should not be used as a transferable authorization document.
Protect information during review
Request documents through an agreed business contact and limit sharing to the people reviewing the project. Do not publish unredacted contact details, signatures or document numbers. This checklist is a discussion aid, not a legal opinion or a guarantee of rights; obtain qualified advice for the specific transaction where needed.