Fair Use Explanation for The Digital Fable Forge
The stories published on The Digital Fable Forge, which feature crossovers between
various characters, are original works of fiction created by the site’s owner. These
stories fall under the category of “fan fiction” and are not intended to infringe upon
any existing copyrights.
The concept of Fair Use, as outlined in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act, allows
for the use of copyrighted material under certain circumstances without obtaining
permission from the copyright owner. Factors considered in determining whether a
use is fair include:
The nature of the copyrighted work. The original characters are fictional and
creative in nature, but the stories on The Digital Fable Forge do not copy the
narrative or expressive elements of the original works.
The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted
work as a whole. While the stories may reference characters from the original works,
they do not replicate substantial portions of the narratives, dialogue, or other
expressive elements of those works.
The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted
work. The stories on The Digital Fable Forge do not harm the market for the original
works. They do not serve as a replacement for the original content, but rather as a
tribute that could potentially drive interest towards the original works.
In conclusion, the stories on The Digital Fable Forge are intended to honor and
celebrate the original characters, not to infringe upon the rights of the original
copyright holders. They are transformative works of fan fiction that provide new,
original narratives featuring beloved characters. As such, they should qualify as Fair
Use.