Is it copywriter infringement to loosely base a logo on another cartoon character>?
Very shakey ground. If the logo is MEANT to be recognized as that cartoon character, and the viewer percieves it as such, it could very well be copyright infringement. An exception could be made if the logo is meant to be a parody of the original character, however, if the logo is to be used for a serious commercial venture, it is more removed from the intent of a parody. What it may boil down to is how the owner of the rights to the originala character takes it. It’s his character, and, if he decides to sue on the basis of infringement, it may be up to a judge or jury to make the final determination. I can give you an example: Years ago, a local speed shop opened, using a logo, obviously based on Woody Woodpecker. The bird had an agressive expression and was depicted with two fat racing tires and wheels instead of feet. The shop owner was taken to court and forced to change his logo, showing a more generic bird. (same colors, but with different proportions) So, to answer your question
