Rules about using celeb pics in blog posts?
 

I see a lot of sites using celeb pics - everything from huge sites like omg to smaller, one-man shows. What are the rules here?

§1) don't call their names :)

I'm not sure I understand.

Anyone else have info on this one?

What is your question?

Can you steal someone photos and use then on your blog?

:1orglaugh :thumbsup

Actually, I have someone offering to sell me a blog (im on a mainstream buying binge). It has a high income, stats check out and the price is right. Trouble is it's a mainstream celeb site and I know nothing of the legality involved. I thought someone here might know the answer.

No, that's not the question. :)

Ok heres the basics

when you photograph someone the instant that picture is taken two people have a copyright on that image. The photographer and the person(s) The person(s) in the image have a copyright on their likeness and the person taking the photo has a copyright on the composition. When your model signs a model release she /he is releasing their copyright to the photographer or whoever is named in the release.

Now celebrities are a special case. In places where they have no reasonable expectation of privacy they do not own their likeness, it is considered to be in the public domain. So the photographer owns the copyright on the photo.

So you must license the photo(s) from the photographer.

This is the basics only an attorney can direct you further.

You may want to use these guy for your photos http://bauergriffin.com and http://www.wireimage.com/

That was incredibly helpful. Thanks for taking the time out to write it.

In that case it seems I'm going to have to pass on the site. I knew it was too good to be true! :mad: