Would it void copyright to use action figures in a stop motion video?

Would it void copyright to use action figures in a stop motion video? For example in the show Robot Chicken does the show have to get permission for every figure they use or is it protected under parody?Would it void copyright to use action figures in a stop motion video?The legal definition of "parody" under a fair use defense is actually much narrower than what you might think of parody in the entertainment sense. People often confuse parody (which is a strong fair use argument) with satire (which is not a fair use argument).

Under the legal definition, a parody is a work that ridicules another, usually well-known work, by imitating it in a comic way. That is, parody uses the original work to comment on the original work. On the other hand, satire refers to the use of an existing work to seek attention or profit, criticize society generally, or criticize something besides the original work.

http://www.menc.org/v/general_music/copy鈥?/a>

I'm not familiar enough with the show Robot Chicken to give you any sort of opinion with respect to that specific show. However, suffice it to say that copyright issues are rarely cut and dry. Most networks have dedicated copyright attorneys (in-house or outside counsel) that deal with copyright clearance issues on a regular basis.