Copyright Law and Web Pages

Web sites communicate through pictures and sound as well as through text. Some people have the creativity or resources to provide original pictures for their site. Many of us, however, must rely on others for pictures for our sites. As long as the pictures (graphics) we use are in the public domain, everything is fine. However, if the pictures (including icons) are owned by others, we shouldn't use them without permission from the owners. This page gives suggestions that you could follow in obtaining pictures for your web site. Keep in mind, however, that these comments are not given as legal advice.

	As much as possible, use pictures that are known to be in the public domain.
	Don't download graphics that are obviously copyrighted. These include company logos, graphics from sites owned by corporations, pictures from sites owned by art galleries, and pictures from portfolios of individual artists.
	After you have located graphics that you would like to use in your web site, study the web sites containing the graphics to see if the sites give limitations on the use of information in the sites. These limitations might be (a) copyright notices for the sites, and (b) specific comments about use of the information. Keep in mind that pictures may be copyrighted even though no copyright notice is publicly displayed.
	If, after having complied with these or similar suggestions, you believe the graphics are in the public domain, send e-mail to the webmasters of the sites asking permission to download the graphics. Keep copies of the e-mail.
	If you don't receive responses from the webmasters, make your own decision about downloading the graphics. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your actions in this regard.
	These comments apply to written material as well as to pictures.

Many sites give links to public domain graphics that you can download. A search on the two words free graphics will give links to such sites.

If you're interested in delving into copyright law in more depth, check out the links in the Links page.

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