Legal Question in Business Law in Georgia
I am writing a book and need images for the book. I have looked at yahoo and google images as well as istockit and stutterstock and wanted to know if I could use images from places like this in my books and even from microsoft word?
4 Answers from Attorneys
Sure, if you get permission from the owner of the image for the specific use, or purchase the rights to use the image. Otherwise, you are stealing someone else's property.
That you can find an image for free does not mean you can use it for free. Most images you will find at those places are copyrighted. That means you can only republish them with permission from whoever owns the copyright. The owners don't have to agree. They can also agree on the condition that you pay for the rights.
As others noted you need the permission of the copyright holder to use any images. Be sure that permission is in writing.
As the other attorneys have said, getting something for free doesn't necessarily mean you can use it for free. Most images are subject to some kind of copyright protection. You need to get the permission of the legal, copyright holder before use. Consult with a good business attorney in your area for specific advice.
Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise
Franchise Attorney
Related Questions & Answers
-
A retail store allows shoppers to bring pets into their store as a matter of new... Asked 8/07/10, 12:56 pm in United States Georgia Business Law