Question about copyrighted images on Cases

[biyonic]

Is there a link to information on laws regarding using copyrighted images?

I'm sure it isn't a big deal to put a symbol of snoopy on your case, then put it on the web in a mod gallery. I doubt you'd be sued.

On the other hand if I wanted to do cutom cases as a business for people I would open myself up to copyright infridgement - yes?

If I did the cleaning up of the customer's design drawings but paid a company to do the actual case cutting, would they try to sue me or the company doing the cutting? hehe - I don't want

anyone to sue the company because I work for them in my day job! If they sue me they won't get much.

I could specify that I only cut non-copyrighted designs. But how can I check every design that comes in? How do I protect myself? Any ideas???

 

[Bensa]

If the customers provide the images, then its their responsobility to make sure that they are entitled to use it (logicly, but maybe not legally).

Also, think of a tattoo artists. They make lots of designs, but companies never sue them, since its their work that they are getting paid for, rather than the design.

And, unless you are planning to make this a large company, I doubt they would even bother.

You should consult a lawyer or bureacrat on this, depending on the laws in your area.

 

[Evan]

The way i see it its kinda like free advertising, i doubt most companies would mind.

 

[DaveSauce]

it's not advertising when you're selling their design.....that is theft.

It would be like making a mickey mouse cartoon then selling it. Disney would NOT be very happy with you.....despite the fact that the copyright on mickey mouse ran out already (but due to the wonders of paid-off-politics, it was magically renewed)....but that's a completely seperate issue, rofl.

Anyway, I'm certain that nobody cares if you put that stuff on your own case. I hope not, because I etched the AMD logo into my window, hehe.

BUT, if you start offering said logos for sale, THEN you could get into trouble. I highly doubt that anyone will care, but personally I wouldn't go there. There's nothing stopping you from writing the copyright holders a letter to ask permission....you will either get a response saying "go ahead, we don't care," or you will be asked to pay a small fee per use....I'm certain they wouldn't care much if you just asked to use it once for a customer, but it's better safe than sorry.

Well, and that brings up another point, in fact.....if you're in doubt, just ask the copyright holder. That way, you have "written permission" in the event that they allow you to do it.....so any legal issues would be null (provided you follow the stipulations in the permission).

 

[64Thunderbolt]

Thats what I was going to say... and to add to that.. one or two of a design is no big deal, useally... offering a known copyrighted design for sale is a NO NO... been there done that!!!

Before I did the OC logo fan grills, I got Skips permission!!!


Charlie

 

[biyonic]

Thanks guys - you make some good points. Keep it simple - ask permission, etc. Appreciate the feedback.

I'll start rright now - Charlie - can I use your graphic ;-)

 

[biyonic]

Actually, my idea - and it lends itself to protecting me from CR infringement - is to use cool fonts to create personalized custom case cuts. That's what I have done to my case.

Like 64Thunderbolt