Copyright Basics

Artwork, including photographs, drawings, paintings and illustrations are all "intellectual property" and in so being are protected by the Icelandic, U.S. Federal Copyright laws and the Berne Convention. These copyright laws were put in place to protect the interest of the artist. Without these protections it would be difficult for an artist to control the use of his/her work or to simply make a living. Permission MUST be obtained from the artist of the image orhis/her agent before ANY use takes place. Failure to obtain this permission is a violation of the U.S. Federal Copyright laws and the Berne Convention.
Since the copyright law, like any law, can be difficult to interpret for the general public several attempts have been made to make it easier to understand. One of those attempts "The Copyright Commandments" was put together by PACA-The Picture Agency
Council of America and are listed here for your convenience. Not knowing the law does not excuse you from the law. please, know your responsibilities when it comes to intellectual property.