Website and Copyright Issues

[jamestl2]

Hello everyone,
I was thinking about starting my own fansite or blog in one form or another, not sure how just yet. Images from the games would greatly improve my site, such as planets, characters etc. Although I wouldn’t overload it or anything.

So who would I ask permission from to use those types of images, trademark names, etc. on my site (Lucasfilms, Bioware, etc.)? Because I’d still have ads such as google adsense, and would be profiting from it in the form of a commercial website. Just don’t want to violate any copyright laws if I decide to create it.

Also, for the sites that already exist, do they pay royalties? Or are they technically already committing copyright infringement?

Thanks

[jamestl2]

Nobody knows? At least where I could go to get this type of information, or who to ask?

[Char Ell]

This is probably a question better answered by Aristotle or Darth333 but I don't think fansites are generally considered in violation of copyrights and trademarks as long as they acknowledge whatever copyrights and trademarks they use on their website are the property of their respective owners. There is a "fair use" consideration when it comes to copyrighted material. What constitutes "fair use" can be somewhat nebulous but generally short quotes, screen shots from games, and other promotional material released by the copyright/trademark owner are OK to post on 3rd party websites. Just don't go do things like posting entire chapters from a novel, dialog from a game, etc. and you should be fine.

If it's that much of a concern for you then it's best to seek professional legal advice as copyright/trademark laws vary from nation to nation.

[Det. Bart Lasiter]

Personally, I'd just put them up, say on my site that I'm not affiliated with them, and take them down if I get a C&D (make sure you post contact details on your site somewhere).

[Jeff]

Yeah, you shouldn't get in trouble for using official screenshots or art or anything on your site. Don't really need permission to use them I wouldn't say.

[jamestl2]

Alright, thanks for the suggestions everyone