iPhone\Android Phone Application

[appcreator]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New jersey

Hello all. I am new to the forum and have been struggling for the past few weeks with an issue.

I am developing an iPhone/Android Mobile application which requires me to use images of athletes\celebrities\musicians. The application will be a free download with the option to purchase a "full version" if the user would like to.

I am only using headshots, for example if I find an image of an athlete, I will then crop out just the head and use that for my application (for recognition purposes).

Take for example this picture: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kobe_Bryant_61_NYK2.jpg
..it is licensed under This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. which states that you are free to make commercial use of this work.

Does that mean that any photos published under the Creative Commons license - as long as I credit the author for the photograph - is fair game to use for my application?


Now taking this Creative Commons thing out of it...If I use any image of a celebrity and just crop out the headshot as stated earlier, what legal action can be taken against me? Is it just a case of getting a notice to take the picture down or can I get sued for real money?

Thanks in advance

 

[Zigner]

You can get sued for real money.

Don't steal other people's work.

 

[appcreator]

thanks for your reply

You can get sued for real money.

Don't steal other people's work.

I am not stealing work though - what about all of the photos on wikipedia commons?

What if I purchase photos on www.imagecollect.com it states images can be used for editorial use.

The question comes down to - does an iPhone application where you have to recognize images of celebrities count as editorial use. Imagecollect.com says it does but to consult a lawyer as they cannot offer legal advice.

Not sure if they are right or just trying to make a sale