Copyright and Advertising Question

[Daughn]

If I have a poster or print or piece orginal art that I purchased for my shop to frame and sell, can I use it in my advertising? Or are thier copyright issues? We send out cards announcing our sales. On the cards we put pictures of some of the things we have framed(with the customers permission) as well as framed pieces for sale. For instance we have some Disney pieces and sports memorabilia.

 

[Baer Charlton]

No. And "only if you have the artist explicit permission".

Disney will sue you into oblivian faster than you can say MiK the Mous.

 

[robbiez]

If you asked a publisher for permission to use their images for advertising purposes it would almost certainly be granted without question. The only ones we have ever been refused is Bruce McGaw's Disney images.
They may request you put a copyright note at the bottom i.e "images copyright of Felix Rosenstiels", etc

At the end of the day it is in their interests for you to promote their products - That is why there are hundreds of website that have small images of copywritten images on them, art.com, etc

 

[BUDDY]

This may seem like old hat.

We have often discussed this issue and I have often voiced the concern about what might happen to violators of copyrights or those who even give the impression of so doing. However does the old Cliche ," An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure." sound familiar? Also it might be a good idea to remeber that a copyright indicates it is the "ARTISTICT PROPERTY" of the holder in all manners .

I fully belive the copyright holder has the right and sometimes responsibility to defend their Copyright . However GOOD Sense would seem to dictate the contacting the holder BEFORE you do anything and doing so in an effort to promote the product will more than likely meet with approval and sometimes ASSITANCE as robbiez has said.

In fact the being "sued into oblivion" probably only would occur when you disregard their rights and opinions ,maybe even to the issueing of a Cease and Desist order prior to a Suit . But then that might indicate you have already stepped over the line without contacting them.

Pick up the Phone or at least send a letter and allow enough time for a reply BEFORE you need to POST any add, then suits and your position relative to the rights and wishes of the Holder of the Copyright will never be in doubt.
BUDDY