>>542545870
No since the difference is that he can use the character verbatim. This is shown with the Scott Shaw comic redraws, new promotional content for it, and Sally mini comic.
As long as it isn't mistakable for a SEGA Sonic product, he can get away with it.
That's how he gets away with using the old western classic Sonic designs now since they look visually nothing like any of SEGA's current production output.