Unit 30: Task 6: P6

Task 6

Explain some of the legal pitfalls in using and editing graphics.Essentially, this is about copyright issues and gaining permission to use copyright products.You also need to cover 'TradeMark' and 'Intellectual property'.

(P6) 7th March

Legal pitfalls of using and editing graphical images:

'In adhering to the spirit of regulation, the ultimate aim is to protect the clients whose assets fall within the ring-fence and prevent the ring-fenced relying in government support.' Nathan Willmott.

By the laws of copyright; you are unauthorized to use any image without the copyright holders permission (this is the original owner who had created the image to begin with) , unless the image has been modified with a licence (this involves getting approval from the owner). Even if the image has been manipulated in anyway shape or form it still belongs to the owner, so the original licence of the un-edited image then here applies. Breaching the terms of copyright do not allow you to use images and names that you do not own for financial benefits, you are not allowed to have it based on the original image or name as you will be credited for the original logo not the original creator.

In some circumstances you can use the image for print via purchasing them from a stock image sight, this is legal as you are then purchasing the image to then use. Advertising these images without permission is classed as illegal and can result in being taken to court and sued. Plagiarism also shows that this act is completely illegal as you are using someone else's work without their permission (rather like copying for your own benefit which is irresponsible and does not create any personal advantage for the own who is doing this). Some images are copyright free so they are capable of using them legally for personal usage, it is always best to check beforehand for clarification.  

In culmination, the legal implications that may cause a lawsuit and other disasters that mainly need to be avoided are copyright issues. My findings show that copyright is the main issue that can be easily avoided by any means necessary. Copyright has been law implicated throughout many countries in the world. Renting copies for the public, broadcasting others copyrighted details can cause serious legal implications as you are using someone else's work and claiming it as your own. There are many other minor potential legal implications which are easy avoided whereas copyright needs to be avoided at all costs as the aftermath is unavoidable.

Intellectual property is produced by you not specifically an idea that has yet to be created. Businesses use intellectual property for example with music ideas and other inventions with the creations that are yet to be made. It must be protected by the law so that others are not capable of claiming your creations as theirs. Trademarks are a form of intellectual property, trademarks are signatures of the creator branding the logo or slogan as their own. These can be found in many well-known brands for example Coca-Cola and Lego which restrict others from benefiting financially from them . Trademarks also allow you distinguish certain brands from one another, some companies may have an agreement to share certain brands and share the profits that may come from using them.