Forest Hills, NY asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for New York

Q: Copyright laws in NY- replicating photos in paintings

I would like to start giving art classes to amateur students. This would involve them producing a painting, using a picture as a guide. What are the legal parameters surrounding the pictures I can provide, from which they will copy? Is it a problem to have them print pictures from the internet or take out of magazines, if it is going to be for personal use and is clearly not professional work?

1 Lawyer Answer
Charles Oliver Wolff
Charles Oliver Wolff
Answered
  • Trumansburg, NY
  • Licensed in New York

A: For personal use, not an issue, but if they are displayed publicly, like in a product label, periodical or on a website, there are potential problems, especially if the photo contains the likeness of a person without their permission. It gets tricky. Why not take some phots yourself. thereby giving them implied permission? If you photograph a person, be sure to tell them what it's for and ask for their permission to use it BEFORE you snap the shutter!

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