Hello,

I have created a map of Earth using a level editor for the video game Starcraft. I would like to offer posters and T-shirts with design. Am I in the clear with copyright?

The overall map is of my own design, but the textures and symbols used to create it are from the game. If a copyright on the symbols/textures blocks me from publishing my design, would I be okay if I applied a painterly filter rather then use the exact pixels from the game?

(I am not a lawyer rendering a legal opinion)

You are touching on both copyright and trademark issues here. I strongly urge you to talk to a qualified lawyer (i.e. one who deals with Intellectual Property Rights) because any specific advise given in here is worth less than you paid for it.

All the more so because many Game Companies have very aggressive lawyers. They don't have to "warn" you or CP, they don't have to send a "Cease & Desist" letter- they can file a huge lawsuit faster than the recording industry does to alleged illegal downloaders.