Copyrighted Image Usage

[Arkady]

Originally Posted by sabian1982

Heres a little story... a fair few years ago Guiness decided to use the harp for their logo, unfortunately another irish company was already using it (hence the logos would have been identical). The company told Guiness that they had to change the logo otherwise they would sue Guiness - if you've ever seen the Guiness logo though, you'll know that the design is still a harp; how did they get round it? Guiness simply flip reflected the harp image hence creating a unique logo yet still with exactly the same image...

Theres obviously been saying yes its ok and no it isn't and tbh i'd prefer to be safe than sorry (although as mentioned i still don't see who tshirt and poster makers get round the issue, and even print film promotional posters).

Can anyone recommend a website where i could get access to film and music (group/artist) photos? From everything from Elvis and the Beetles to modern day artists and rappers?

I'm afraid that the Guiness logo problem was a trademark issue not a copyright issue, the laws on which are completely different.

[sabian1982]

Well it was worth a try ;)

I've gone for a bit of a u-turn. Im not going to use images that are copyrighted, this obviously allows the use of x number of stock and free stock image websites which will allow great variety... and of course over comes the foggy areas of what is or isnt acceptable!

[Mack]

Actually, I thought the dispute with Guinness was with the country. The Ireland emblem was a Harp, and they asked Guinness to change it, so Guinness flipped the logo....

My rule of thumb is if your questioning what your doing, you probably shouldnt be doing it.