Image Inspired by a Television Show

[rusty1]

Hello,

Is it legal to use an image on a product, for example a t-shirt, that was inspired by an image on a tv show. For example, if a live action tv show had an episode with a corn chip eating dragon, would it be legal for me to create a product with a drawing of a deragon eating corn chips? Does the show own all corn chip eating dragons? Said dragon is not trademarked by the show or used in promotional materials.

Also, is it legal to say something is inspired or in the style of a copyrighted or trademarked character, show, etc?

Thank you!

[Mr. Knowitall]

They don't own the idea. They do own their own creative works and trademarks.