A copyright gives exclusive ownership rights to people who create original works. These rights are protected by U.S. law and by international agreements.
Whenever you use a photo that you didnÆt take or a piece of art that you didnÆt make, you should check to see if itÆs copyrighted. In general, you can easily get permission to use someone elseÆs material, and you can save yourself potential trouble by getting consent up front. For example, you may need permission to use the following materials:
Professional photographic portraits School pictures, wedding photographs, and holiday pictures taken in department stores are usually taken by professional photographers. Before you scan these images for your own use, make sure that you check with the photographer.
Photographs in published materials If you want to scan a picture from a magazine or book or take a picture of something you see in a video, check first with the publisher or with your copy-shop staff.
Photographs or digital art that you find online Digital art can be copyrighted. Before you download art you find online, make sure you check the source. The author of the work, not necessarily the person who posted it online, is the person whose permission you need.
For comprehensive information regarding copyrights, you should consult a legal professional.