Upcycling and copyright

[noxasiti]

I am looking at starting an upcycling business and selling the finished products that I make from recycled items. Would it be a copyright issue if for instance I used a vinyl record and the cover to make a tote bag and sell it?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

There should be no problem with what you are hoping to do. The "First Sale Doctrine" should cover much of this which allows you to make us of and resell items that you have purchased (and thus which has provided the copyright owner with compensation.) You shouldn't expect to have a problem using actual items you purchase to make the products although you certainly could if you duplicate the items and sell them. Of course, there is no substitute for having a legal consultation with an attorney who would be in a better position to hear about everything you intend to do and any issues that might be expected to arise.