Re: copyrighted images

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[quote="g0df4th3r"]How has everyone dealt with images for their stores?  I am opening several online stores for different local stores.[/quote]

Our development teams have done one of several different scenarios, based upon the merchant needs and the agressiveness of the need to protect the copyright.

We have taken product photography, retained copyright on them, and licensed them for use to the merchant "royalty-free" and indefinitely in cases where either: i)the merchant wanted to cut down on photography costs, or ii)the photography was of a sufficient nature that copyright infringement damages were easily proven and enforceable.

We have taken photographs and given over the copyright to the merchant in cases where our prices were met, or where the merchant had more significant proveable damages than our corporation would should the photographs become misused (coyright infringement).

[quote="g0df4th3r"]I'm guessing I could take pictures of the products myself, but that is a huge pain.[/quote]

However, this could be a nice area for profits for you, also. :)

[quote="g0df4th3r"]Maybe I should visit manufacturer's websites and email them about using their copyrighted images.  What are the different approaches everyone has taken, and what are the legality issues?  Thanks.[/quote]

Manufacturers are *usually* willing to work with retailers and wholesalers/distributors by allowing product photography to be used within specific guidelines. In some instances, we have found that the product photography by the manufacturer has just plain sucked, and we have emphasised to the merchant that photographs are often VERY important to the sale, and have recommened our own shots. Manufacturer photography, if done well, can be a very nice timesaver.

Regards,
Daniel