q' about copyrights

eden111

can i use in my program photos from my mac deskop (i mean printscreen my desktop and than cut what i need)?

is it legal?

tnx

PPenguin

IANAL, but I think if you don't own the rights to the picture, you have to change it at least 70%.

But if you're not planning on selling your game, I think you can use whatever you want.

Cobra

@eden111,
Strictly speaking: no you can't. Of course everything depends on context, see for example http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright#Fair_use_and_fair_dealing.

@actswartz,
I'm afraid those are misconceptions. There's no magic number (like "change it at least 70%") that makes a hard line between a derivative work and an original one. And non-commercial use does NOT exempt you from copyright law, it just makes it less likely that the copyright holder would be inclined to sue you.

I know these aren't particularly helpful answers, but copyright law is a subjective area, which is why it's so confusing. If you are really concerned that your assets may be infringing on someone's copyright, you should either speak with a lawyer, or get permission from the copyright holder.

I am also not a lawyer, and the above is not intended as legal advice.

Fafnir312

or make your own.

Cobra

Absolutely.

eden111

thanks for the answare!
what about fonts? is there a font i can use for free or i have to buy one? and where?

tnx

(i need only 1 font)

SDMG

You can google for free fonts... there are a lot of very good fonts that can be used for commercial projects for free...

eden111

i have another question..
i want to use alcoholic drinks bottles pictures, i have to buy/paint them?
or i can take them for free somewhere?

rtteachr

Not sure what you mean by your last question, but stay clear of licensed brands in you game. Make up your own generic thing.

Toby

Buy some stock photo images from iStock

gregr209

This is important stuff to remember. All the images I am using in my game are in the public domain and or I have purchased the artwork. I didn't even THINK about the font. So if I use a standard font of my Mac I can't? I need to make sure there is font that is free for public use? I am using Marker Felt...do I need to re-think that then?

rdcube

I know this is a year old, but figure we're getting a lot of noobs knocking quick games and perhaps not paying too much attention to 'details'.

I just ran across a font I wanted to use, I even did the whole photoshop to make it blend it with my other graphics...but something made me look at the 'read me' file that usually comes with them 'free fonts' and noticed this little line:

if you are using this font to promote a business, product, or service that
makes income, or any other commercial purpose, you must purchase a commercial usage
version of this font.

Just figure I should share and advise y'all to always read the fine print...you don't want to make a million dollar hit and all be gone cuz of dumb 'copyright' ;0)