This NPR Planet Money Indicator podcast episode explores the relationship between corporations (like Lucasfilm and Disney) and cosplayers. It uses the example of Star Wars cosplayers, specifically the 501st Legion, to illustrate how a tacit agreement developed, allowing fans to create and wear costumes without legal repercussions, as long as they don't profit from their creations in a way that competes with official merchandise. The podcast discusses the history of cosplay, the initial anxieties surrounding intellectual property rights, and the eventual collaboration between companies and fans. It also touches upon the legal ambiguities surrounding cosplay and copyright law, noting that while companies *could* pursue legal action, they generally choose not to due to the positive public relations associated with fan engagement.
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