Author Topic: Copyright (Read 5407 times)

CofkoCof · « **on:** November 19, 2008, 09:54 »

Had one of my vector icons rejected for copyright problems:

Quote

The image contains elements that might be protected by copyright/trademark (logos, brands, specific buildings etc.) or could raise usage problems, therefore it doesn't qualify as a RF stock image. Analyze the photo closely and remove these elements if possible or try to obtain a property release. Read more: http://www.dreamstime.com/thread_148

The only icon that could be copyrighted was the rss icon(but I've never had this kind of problems on any of the sites, even DT accepted them before). So I replied to topic on the forums, asking if the rss is really the problem (there are many rss icons on dt). But my post got deleted. Is there a way to ask about a rejection (I know about contacting support, but wondering about "scout" like option)?

hali · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2008, 10:16 »

lately all sites have been quite strict in their PR and MR requirements.
you are right, prior to that, they were less strict. i think it has more to do with erring on the safe side. losing a sale from returns or complaints can hurt business, so i can understand why they choose to be safe nowadays. it's really to our benefit, you don't want to be sued over a 25cents to 5 dollar commission.

stormchaser · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2008, 11:00 »

Can you post a watermarked version? Reason I as is that there are a few out there that people think of as common shapes, but there are a few companies that have cracked down on stuff. One is from a German company and looks very similar to the common recycle symbol. Can't recall the specifics right now. And others here may have comments too.

CofkoCof · « **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2008, 11:04 »

It was this image:

It's not the information icon, since similar icon with question mark insted of the i was accepted in the same batch.

EDIT: I got an answer from Achilles that my post got deleted because it's about rejection. Looks like you can't talk about rejections on the forums. Wonder why he didn't answer my question, it would take it additional minute to do so.

stormchaser · « **Reply #4 on:** November 19, 2008, 11:16 »

It had to be the RSS icon. Rss is something I have not done any research on with regards to rights. Otherwise, everything else very generic. I would really contact support. They should either restrict all with RSS, and set a policy, or accept the image if it has commercial value and meets tech requirements.

Here is a Wiki link for that recycle image I referred to. But whoever posted this wiki is wrong. The image is indeed a trademark in Germany, not public domain. A release is needed for any publication. SS will bounce this if the reviewers are on the ball, and I believe the DT people are familiar with it as well.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Gr%C3%BCner_Punkt.svg

You will however find this image on stocks, the remnants from before the crackdowns.

CofkoCof · « **Reply #5 on:** November 19, 2008, 12:12 »

Yeah I contacted support. I'm reading about copyright on rss symbol. Looks like Mozilla tried to trademark it but they didn't in the end:
http://kmgerich.com/2006/06/12/web-feed-icon-trademark-licensing-and-usage-guidelines/
http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78836825

They provided some guidelines for usage:
http://www.mozilla.org/foundation/feed-icon-guidelines/

stormchaser · « **Reply #6 on:** November 19, 2008, 17:45 »

Well just got home from a bunch of errands, so whooped a little right now.

But here's my quick take on reading the links you provided. Since they even applied for a trademark registration, even if abandoned, it tells me that there was a desire for protection of the use of this mark. And it looks like now things in a bit of legal limbo.

But really, if they reject yours, the rest should come down too. Let us know how you make out.