Use of kits?

[CastlesAreGood]

My first post here and I couldn't see where to put this question after looking at the various options, so if you're a mod please feel free to move/delete.

 

I've been thinking about creating bespoke steampunk type figures for some time and the best way to do it. What materials, painting techniques etc. I'll probably want to sell these models. Recently I hit upon the idea of using parts from plastic model kits to create my new models. My question is, is it commercially allowed/legal to use parts from plastic model kits for your own completely new/original designed models, and then sell those models? Would doing that fall foul of any copyright/trademark etc of the original kits?

[Niall]

There is no issue of selling models which have been detailed from kit parts, unless you make a mold of your model and sell castings from the mould.

[cmatthewbacon]

I think even castings from an original work detailed with kit parts would be OK... after all, Star Wars studio models are covered in kit parts from back in the day, and there's quite the quiz industry trying to work out which kits they were from, using, say, the Fine Molds model kits. As long as you don't clone the individual parts and sell them separately, you should be on safe ground...

 

best,

M.

[FPDPenguin]

I'll chime in. Having actually worked in resin casting and mold making, ironically before getting into this hobby, change any design by 10 or 12% and you're legal. 

[CastlesAreGood]

Thanks for all the responses. I just wondered if I'm using parts of a kit to build something completely new, if there would be any issues with that and then selling the finished result, but it seems that will be okay.