Issue

[Stoutimore]

i took a vintage photo (60s) from an art magazine, blew it up, and used it to make a print for a printmaking class i took in school last year. although the print is alot different obviouslly, i'm still pretty sure it was illegal right?

could i use my print as clipart for a poster, or still illegal?

[sunsetbrew]

copyrights only last 28 years if i have my facts correct. There is an option to renew for another 28, but i think mostly things like mickey mouse do that. Anyway, you might even beable to photo copy a mag that old.

I AM NOT A LAWYER.

[sunsetbrew]

the problem with answering questions like this is that if you are wrong it can really cause harm to a person trying to do the right thing. Even a lawyer would be reluctent to give advise. So hey, there is a risk, I really don't know what to say but I don't want you to take my advise. I would prefer you take my hint and go look it up on the net yourself.

[greymatter]

i always thought there was some ambiguous 15% alteration rule (to hold up in an actual trial)....

but who gives a fuck anyway, blame it on warhol.

[Dan Keezer]

this is the current expiry schedule for copyright:

before 1925 is public domain
between 1925 and 1977 its 95 years from the date of copywrite
after 1977 work for hire is 95 years
after 1977 individually created is Life of the creater + 70 years...


a little trivia: the works-for-hire bit used to be 75 years, but in 1998, when Disney realized Mickey Mouse would be public domain uhh.... this year, they pulled some strings, bribed some people and made it another 20 years.... this'll probably happen again in 2024 (assuming the apocoypse doesn't destroy all of humanity)

so basically, yes, to answer your question, your 60's photo could still be under copyright. That is, if it actually is copyrighted.

frankly I don't think you should worry that much... unless you're making thousands, the odds of anyone knowing, and then actually taking you to court is slim.

on the other hand, large firms love to pick on little guys, knowing that they have to settle in a negotiation because the littly guy can't pay legal fees. But thats a whole different thing.

My advice, use it, god knows I'm screwed if Morton Salt sees my posters... (was that graphic made before '25... i don't know..)

[DenisMutter]

If the man wants you, you're gone any way you slice it.

[dustin wallace]

kill 'em all and let god sort 'em out.
at least that's what the white trash kid's shirt said in 3rd grade...

[8ball]

You're asking a good question from the wrong people.

Readjust your question.

[Stoutimore]

well the picture was in a newer photog magazine that had a vintage photo on each page. the picture is in a gallery in new york (or was when the mag came out). i think i'll go ahead and use it.

thanks for the info guys.