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urquanmaster
11-06-2005, 05:50 PM
Am I allowed to use videogame graphics of a certain game if I'm making a fansite of it?
The copyright laws say that you can copy something in part if it's for parody or press. Does that include stealing graphics from a game to make a site for it?
BTW, does anyone know of any videogame graphics packages that are okay to use for whatever (such as anyUT packages)?
welsh
11-06-2005, 06:09 PM
well, if you put at the bottom of the page the images are copyrighted of say bungie then it should be ok.
Charles
11-06-2005, 06:14 PM
It's going to depend upon where you are located.
In the US the laws are still in flux but the general principal is that you cannot confuse the public into thinking that you are officially linked. But if you aren't making money on the project and you make it clear that you are unrelated to the company in question you should be OK. And they're not going to take you to court before the ask you to stop.
On the other hand, it would be nice of you if you asked their permission.
welsh
11-06-2005, 06:21 PM
though usually the companies dont mind you using pictures from their games as long as you dont profit from it because its well free advertising.
JAPerson
11-07-2005, 10:09 AM
Typically, video game companies do not mind if you use their graphics as long as it is promoting the game. However, it wouldn't hurt to put together a sample page and show it to the company who owns the images and ask for their permission. I did this myself with one of my sites and just feel better knowing that the company gave me permission.
the tree
11-07-2005, 12:22 PM
Something like "not affiliated with said company" tends to suit.
The first two paragraphs of this page describe it pretty well:
http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/copypol2.htm
urquanmaster
11-08-2005, 07:31 PM
That's an awesome article, ubik! It doesn't make things more clear per se, but it sure gives me a better picture of where I stand.
By the way, that article is for US law, right? I'm in canada, and, even though the laws are the same, the courts here are far more lenient about fair use.
I was wondering about a couple more things too....
If you are infringing, is there a clause in law that says that you need fair warning....such as an email before they come after you with a summons? When companies first attack, they usually give a legal note to cease and disist, rather than an all out lawsuit summons.
What parts of copyright laws are civil and how much of it is done by the crown? When you are fined all that money, is it just an automatic civil case that the plaintif can drop at any time, or is it done by criminal justice? Does the fine money go to the company as in a civil case?
I know for assult/battery, after the initial charge, you can be tried in civil court too. Is there a double trial for copyrights as well?
*by now this topic is starting to get a little off topic....hope that's okay with mods...