Licensing Using copyrighted song lyrics on merchandise

[niasimone]

If I wanted to print lyrics from a song onto merchandise (i.e. shirts and hats), but some of the words were replaced with symbols or pictures (assuming it no longer makes it a verbatim lyric from the song), would that still require copyright/publisher permission? If it does require permission, what steps should I take to avoid legal action?

 

[Betty3]

You might want to talk to a lawyer to be on the safe side. Someone else may come along with some additional information/suggestions for you.