QUESTION
Could I use images from websites without a copyright?
Asked on Sep 09th, 2015 on Patents - Massachusetts
More details to this question:
I am a citizen of Sri Lanka currently living in Sri Lanka. I am about to start my small online magazine. Is it ok if I can use the pictures on the internet for reviews (product or service)? Is there any international Law that moderates the usage of internet? Are the copyrights registered in the respective country implying only to its state? Or does it imply globally?
2 ANSWERS
Short answer no. Use of any trademarked or copyright images must be approved by the owner before hand. In the U.S. there is a "fair use" exemption for news, educational institutions, and research.
Answered on Sep 09th, 2015 at 9:39 PM
Appellate Litigation Attorney serving Boston, MA
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Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.
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Copyright laws vary from country to country - and there is no single "world-wide" copyright system. Instead, most countries are members of the Berne Convention - which requires its member countries to recognize the copyright of works of authors from other signatory countries in the same way as it recognizes the copyright of its own nationals. Sri Lanka is a member country - and accordingly the laws of that country will apply for copying that you may do. Check with a local attorney to see if your plans qualify as "fair use" or if permission/compensation will be required for your intended use. GOOD LUCK!
Answered on Sep 09th, 2015 at 2:53 PM