Jasper, AL asked in Copyright and Intellectual Property for Alabama

Q: Is it copyright infringement to take a picuture of products I bought to keep on my PC for memories?

Products include stamps, christmas cards, bikes, etc. that has a design or logo on them; pretty much anything IP laws cover. I don't plan on sharing the photos if it is legal to take them. Also, how does this apply to product pictures for an Ebay listing?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Taking photographs of products you have purchased for personal use, such as keeping them on your PC for memories, is generally not considered copyright infringement. Copyright law typically allows for the personal, non-commercial use of such images. This is because your use is private and does not impact the market for the original work.

However, when it comes to using these images for an eBay listing, the situation is different. Using photographs of products that include designs or logos for commercial purposes, such as selling items on eBay, may potentially raise copyright issues. This is particularly relevant if the images are a significant part of the product's appeal or value.

For eBay listings, it's advisable to use your own photographs of the products rather than official images provided by the manufacturer or other copyrighted sources. This way, you demonstrate the actual condition of the product you are selling, which is also a requirement on platforms like eBay.

Remember, while personal use is generally permissible, any commercial use of copyrighted material can be more complex and might require permission from the copyright holder, especially if it significantly involves their intellectual property.

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