So I don't know if anyone would be able to answer, but I was looking at the page to upload a custom pet image/overlay, and I see that it says to avoid copyright laws you have to have 4 changes, etc. So...I was wondering what that means for fan pets, does anyone have a guideline for this? Am I simply unable to use it as a custom upload (basically sticking with just a classic coded overlay)? Or do I basically have to make the overlay different enough that it doesn't violate the rules?

If this is confusing I'll try to figure out how to clear up what I'm trying to ask lol Please ping me?

It just simply means 4 changes. They can be rinky dinky tiny changes or big ones. There many fan items in the antiques shop if you want to see any already on site examples.

But let's say you want one based on tinker bell. You might make the hair lighter or darker. Make the bun bigger or smaller or other bun styled. Might make the wings longer or shorter or a different color. And the dress hem line more irregular or blended. Changes enough to jot be directly the same character but clearly easy to tell that its a fan/inspired by design.

Ah I see. So the pet I'm making a fan pet is Blue from the Jurassic World series, I'm basically having a recolor of the Spectrum Velosotor pose, I've instructed the artist to only be getting the base color for the body (an even tone, whereas Blue has an interesting pattern to her skin), the blue stripe will be drawn on but I'm sure it won't be exact. Plus the velociraptors in the movies have 3 longish fingers whereas the velosotor on site has two big claws and a tiny thumb-like finger hidden underneath, which I assume would pass as a 'change'. I can maybe have the artist adjust the color of the eyes to not be exact. Would those kinds of changes be acceptable? I just want to make sure I understand My pet is Blooo.

the only way to know for certain would be to submit the overlay for staff review, but it sounds like that would probably be fine? i also think it's different when you're talking about a realistic animal character, because realistic depictions of an animal are kind of hard to argue copyright for. so with those small changes i think you're alright.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking too, I'm just worried the small changes won't be enough. Oh well! I shall submit the overlay once it's done and cross the bridge if it gets rejected.

Thank you both for your input!