User blog comment:Semanticdrifter/Understanding Fair Use/@comment-954127-20121127201250

There seems to be a lot of talk about each image, but its more about the character likenesses and attributes. The Images themselves (aka art) are not copyrighted. Never have been, never will be. While it may seem the same, it really means that fanart could as well be called on for takedown. This goes for images based on anything copyrighted. It is the subject matter that is the issue.

The real reason we don't see more take down notices comes down to the factor that fan communities are usually seen as a positive. Sales increase with news of new releases related to the franchise. For example, at Ghostbusters Wiki we started a spoiler policy on works such as comics being released in a timeframe. While one can never know if such things matter to the company, we do know that the comic book creators are combing the wiki. Also, being that me and another admin at the wiki appeared in the recent issue of the comic as a cameo, you can bet we're safe.

Ultimately copyrights are there to protect property, but they only use such takedown notices if they feel you are effecting them in a negative way. Franchises that engage there internet fanbase seem the least interested in takedown notices because they understand the value of the interest in the franchise.

Ultimately, if your wiki promotes the new works, and doesn't destroy them (posting endings, promoting theft) the franchise will not view you as a threat.