A reference board can contain material gathered to discuss a direction. That collection should not quietly become the set of assets sent for manufacture or public promotion.
WIPO's IP-audit guidance considers the IP assets used by a business and their related risks. WIPO — Uncovering IP Risks and Potential: IP Audit.
Label the role
For a character project, distinguish reference-only material from assets cleared for the intended output. Preserve source information so a later designer does not mistake an unlabeled image for commissioned artwork.
Review the transition
When an element moves from research into a proposed deliverable, check the actual rights basis and applicable law. A useful inspiration conversation does not settle permission to reproduce a particular creative feature. Keep development evidence and commercial-use approval connected but separate.
Source reviewed 25 October 2026. Interpretation and original diagrams: PLUSHIP / Qunhe. Examples are illustrative.
Related reading
Keep a Record of Human Contributions to an AI-Assisted Character
U.S. Copyright Registration Guidance Needs Review When AI Material Is Included
A Product Photograph and the Character in It Can Raise Different Rights Questions