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What contents am I allowed to rip-off for a business website?

C

CityShrimp

Member
Currently I'm working on a website design for a small start-up company. This is the first time that I'm making a website for a business, so there are some legal issues that I'm worried about.

When I made websites just for fun, I use some icons, pictures from other websites, and I think that was OK as long as I'm not seeking to make a profit out of my website. (and also stating the source if I took a lot from them). But I'm not sure if this is the case for a business website. So here are my questions:

1) Am I allowed to use icons and pictures that I can obtain from other websites?
2) How about photographs of nature?
3) What if I modified the picture? If so, how much of it do I need to change?

Thanks in advance,
CityShrimp
 
Originally posted by: mugs
You can't use anything unless the person who owns it gives you permission. Even if you modify it.

There are many websites out there that give that stuff away for free though.

http://www.google.com/search?q=royalty+...e=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US😱fficial&client=firefox-a
http://www.google.com/search?q=free+ico...e=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US😱fficial&client=firefox-a
Click to expand...

So as long as the website states that I am allowed to use it for free, I can even use them in a business website??
 
Originally posted by: CityShrimp
Originally posted by: mugs
You can't use anything unless the person who owns it gives you permission. Even if you modify it.

There are many websites out there that give that stuff away for free though.

http://www.google.com/search?q=royalty+...e=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US😱fficial&client=firefox-a
http://www.google.com/search?q=free+ico...e=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US😱fficial&client=firefox-a
Click to expand...

So as long as the website states that I am allowed to use it for free, I can even use them in a business website??
Click to expand...

RTFP (Read The Fine Print)

Many sites will specifically deny the use of their materials for businesses/profitable organizations, but permit it for personal/nonprofit.

- M4H
 
1) No. Even for your other non-profit site, you still run the risk of infringement if you don't get permission, because the fair use defense is not clearly defined.
2) No. Any photograph is automatically copyrighted under the Berne Convention.
3) No. If you altered the photograph, it would be considered a derivative work and you still need permission from the owner to use it.
 
Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Originally posted by: CityShrimp
So as long as the website states that I am allowed to use it for free, I can even use them in a business website??
Click to expand...

RTFP (Read The Fine Print)

Many sites will specifically deny the use of their materials for businesses/profitable organizations, but permit it for personal/nonprofit.

- M4H
Click to expand...

This is correct. The only way you can really do anything you want with it is if they explicitly release it into the public domain. Other than that, you're bound by their terms.
 
Originally posted by: NanoStuff
Legally everything if you think they won't find out 🙂
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure they won't. But doesn't hurt to be on the safe side, especially since I'm bad at crime. I got caught when I tried to cheat in high school :/ And I only tried once...
 
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