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Microstock Photography Forum - General => Newbie Discussion => Topic started by: adijr on September 06, 2009, 21:18

Title: understanding copyright on tech design
Post by: adijr on September 06, 2009, 21:18

Hello all,

I'm pretty new to this whole business and I'm trying to understand something:

How does one know what you can take a picture of in terms of technology (laptops, monitors, etc)? I would have assumed that most brand names have some sort of design copyright (e.g. apple) yet there's tons of images of the obvious brands (with the logo taken off, but still). eg:

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=8842226 (http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=8842226)

How does one know...?

thanks :)
adi

p.s. should this be in the general microstock discussion? if so, feel free to move it...

Title: Re: understanding copyright on tech design
Post by: elvinstar on September 06, 2009, 22:55

If you remove the logos and product numbers, etc. you should be all set unless the design of the product itself is highly recognizable. For example, I've had a photo of a cell phone rejected for copyright (see image below). If you stick to more generic designs you should be fine.

(http://capturedby.me/large/39.jpg)

Title: Re: understanding copyright on tech design
Post by: adijr on September 07, 2009, 00:50

Thanks for the quick reply

However, in the image I linked earlier, the computer is very clearly a macbook pro from the clear unique (and popular!) design to the keyboard layout...

adi

Title: Re: understanding copyright on tech design
Post by: stormchaser on September 07, 2009, 00:59

The tech stuff has to do more with design patents. For instance the shape of certain game controllers.

This link may help you in starting to sort things out.

http://www.imagecatalog.com/copyright_and_trademark.php (http://www.imagecatalog.com/copyright_and_trademark.php)