Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Alabama
I am an artist. I find pictures through search engines of public figures and jazz them up a bit through an online photograph editor. I then paint them and sell them. Is this legal? I am assuming the pictures are not owned by anyone but are just common "movie star" poses.
Asked on 1/03/11, 6:27 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Kevin B. Murphy
Franchise Foundations, APC
As a Franchise Attorney I can say you are operating from a faulty assumption. Pictures have a copyright, usually held by the person or entity who took the pictures. Using them without permission is a violation of the copyright holder's legal rights. Consult with a IP Intellectual Property or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.
Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.
Franchise Foundations, a Professional Corporation
Answered on 1/10/11, 4:18 pm