Legalities, and possible ways around them?

[adamthole]

I do slideshows for people on the side. Sometimes people want me to use copyrighted images (professionally taken images) in the slideshows. To do that is illegal correct? In order for it to be legal woould I need verbal or written permission?

If I make the person I am making the slideshow for sign a paper saying all photos are either un-copyrighted, or they have gained permission from he copyright owner, does that take care of everything....or do I still have to check everything out myself also?

Is the DVD logo copyrighted? Am I allowed to use it on DVD covers?

Thanks.

[lordsmurf]

If I make the person I am making the slideshow for sign a paper saying all photos are either un-copyrighted, or they have gained permission from he copyright owner, does that take care of everything....or do I still have to check everything out myself also?

I know this one. It's a good faith thing.

If somebody walks in with a Mickey Mouse picture, and Walt Disney's signature on an authorization form, using your statement above, you'd take it.

Common sense, good faith.

[adamthole]

I'm not talking Walt Disney, I am talking local professionals. I'm not trying to screw anyone, I am just trying to keep me out of trouble.

Some of the pictures you cannot even tell if they are copyrighted.

[thecoalman]

I'm not talking Walt Disney, I am talking local professionals. I'm not trying to screw anyone, I am just trying to keep me out of trouble.

Some of the pictures you cannot even tell if they are copyrighted.

He was using Walt Diney as a reference..... as in "I have permission here's Walt Disney's signature"

[housepig]

the short answer is no, you can't have someone indemnify you for performing an illegal act on their behalf.

if you have a reasonable belief that the pics are professionally done, then I would think that you have a responsibility for determining if you have the right to use them. Personally, I would want a written release.

[stiltman]

If I make the person I am making the slideshow for sign a paper saying all photos are either un-copyrighted, or they have gained permission from he copyright owner, does that take care of everything....or do I still have to check everything out myself also?

I know this one. It's a good faith thing.

If somebody walks in with a Mickey Mouse picture, and Walt Disney's signature on an authorization form, using your statement above, you'd take it.

Common sense, good faith.

Go to any local store that has a kodak machine that scans and takes digital picts and then prints them for you. What is the final screen you're presented with before it proccesses your order? You have to say these are not copyright images. Why would they put this in if it wouldn't indemnify them of an illeagal act?

[SquirrelDip]

True but a machine doesn't have the ability to make judgement.

The point is that if you know, or suspect, that the prints are copywrited it is prudent for you not to use them. If you have your client sign a document saying that they are not professional prints you may still find your ass in court - plaintif will argue that you should have known. Will you win? Maybe, maybe not - but do you want to take the chance (and the costs even if you win)?

[northcat_8]

I just don't worry about it.

I know not the smartest thing to do, but the DVD or slideshow is for that person's personal use, it's not like I am using their photograph to advertise my business or am selling their work world wide.

So I just don't worry about it. I'm sure I've pissed off more powerful people than a photographer

[zzyzzx]

I would also just go ahead and use them and not worry about it.