I was wondering what are the legality issues dealing with building and performing a copyrighted prop and how much really has to change for it to be complete different. My inquire is directly related to "The Lean" effect but I also want to know for other situations as well.

The lean illusion is not copyrighted, just a particular version of the gimmick. If you do a search for the lean, there is a post from a couple of years ago where a member posted an old genii or linking ring article that explained the basic method.

Read the Origami thread.. there's more information.. and occasionally hot wind in that thread..

Some or all of it might be usefull.

As far as changing it.. that depends on who you ask..

in graphics.. I believe that you need to change 70% in order to avoid the copyright issues.. but with illusions.. that could be a different silouette or paintjob.. even if the workings are the same.

Copyright is probably not what is meant but rather a patent. Copyrights protect published works although can also be used for a particular way of performance such as a dance etc.

More here:

http://magicgizmo.com/home/articles/80-g......dea.html

GT,

The LEAN illusion is based on a very old clown gag. The Tin Man in the Wizard Of Oz performed the illusion as well as Charlie Chaplin.

What ends up happening in this magic world is certain builders are know for building an effect that is public domain and people assume they have the patent.

G0THIKE

If I recall, Michael Jackson has the Lean illusion patented.

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parse....../5255452

The Michael Jackson patent No. 5,255,452 has expired:

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol......expi.htm

Thom

.

So has Michael Jackson! SORRY, sometimes I just can't help myself!

MMc