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Do's & Don'ts of Clipart

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Gold DRE# 01437147

I try to blog often, but end up usually only blogging occasionally.  But however often I do, I'd prefer not to step on any toes and violate any usage rights where clipart is concerned.  

In the past I've usually done a Google search to find what I'm looking for there, by searching for something that doesn't scream I BELONG TO A SPECIFIC COMPANY! Sometimes you can never really tell though.

I've always heard to be cautious when using any photos, clipart, etc from the open internet due to copyright and trademark issues, but I haven't talked to anyone who has specifically felt the wrath from clipart police.

Has anyone here had any run-ins with legal issues surrounding using photos and clipart from the open internet like Google, etc.?

Can someone briefly explain the do's and don'ts, and do you have any suggestions as to where to get FREE pictures, etc that can be safely used without fear of the Men In Black showing up at my home or office and taking my computers away and slapping me with a big fine?

I look forward to hearing from you!

Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Read Lenn Harley's blogs on copyright and then decide whether the few dollars for a subscription to a clipart service are worth the money.

Jul 16, 2011 09:34 AM
Randy Elliott
RE/MAX Gold - Lodi, CA
REALTOR : Lodi / Stockton, CA

Thanks Cindy!  Do you know what the date was she posted it, or how I search for it myself?

Jul 16, 2011 10:04 AM
Steve Davis
Davis Coastal Properties - Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad CA

Randy, I think the clipart police are looking for people who have very popular posts or sites with their clipart on them. "Small guys" usually are not worth the time. Even if you are not caught, it is still wrong to use a copyrighted picture/art without permission.

Sep 04, 2011 04:13 AM
Randy Elliott
RE/MAX Gold - Lodi, CA
REALTOR : Lodi / Stockton, CA

I agree Steve.  But if it's 'out there' in Googleland etc, how do you know if it can be used or not?  I've been told not to use any Google images.  Why not?  Most don't show any copyright evidence of any kind.

Sep 04, 2011 07:50 PM
Phil Hillerman
Crye-Leike Realtors® - Rogers, AR
Crye-Leike Realtors®

Hi Randy, Unless I have permission to use the clip-art I assume it is copyrighted.  As with pictures I am again assuming whoever made or took the image owns the rights to that image until conveyed to another.  So unless I have permission I don't use them. :) Have a great day!

Sep 27, 2011 03:02 AM