Artwork Copyright

[Echo NO Aim]

Hello,

I have a question regarding uploading pictures / artwork I found on the internet.

Let's say I have a picture from my favorite series and want to upload it as artwork to show that I'm a fan of this series, can it be flagged as violation of copyright?

I'm aware of Steam's code of conduct but still I'm a bit confused about the issue.

[Moderate my posterior.]

If it's not yours you are not supposed to upload it.

Odds are no one will care but if someone does and they get a dmca to take it down they will, with consequences, and if it happens more than once you can get a community ban.

[Start_Running]

Yes. Yes it can.

[Echo NO Aim]

Originally posted by Socialist Butterfly:

If it's not yours you are not supposed to upload it.

Odds are no one will care but if someone does and they get a dmca to take it down they will, with consequences, and if it happens more than once you can get a community ban.

Originally posted by Start_Running:

Yes. Yes it can.

Thanks for the fast reply!

[Gallifrey - CSSC Gaming Founder]

Meanwhile - back in the real world...

Owners of copyright material pay huge amounts of money in advertising costs to get their imagery published to draw people's attention to their wares.

My profile pic is specifically provided by the makers of Primal Carnage to be used as a profile pic.

So unless there's something about you that makes you extremely controversial or unlikeable most (note most, not all) copyright holders are going to be quite happy for you effectively to advertise their product.

Commercial use is a no-no, if you're a blatant paedophile or Nazi most companies won't like you using their material, but for profile pics if you're an Ordinary Decent Citizen most (again most, not all) copyright holders are quite happy for you to display your allegiance.

S.x.

[Echo NO Aim]

Originally posted by gallifrey:

Meanwhile - back in the real world...

Owners of copyright material pay huge amounts of money in advertising costs to get their imagery published to draw people's attention to their wares.

My profile pic is specifically provided by the makers of Primal Carnage to be used as a profile pic.

So unless there's something about you that makes you extremely controversial or unlikeable most (note most, not all) copyright holders are going to be quite happy for you effectively to advertise their product.

Commercial use is a no-no, if you're a blatant paedophile or Nazi most companies won't like you using their material, but for profile pics if you're an Ordinary Decent Citizen most (again most, not all) copyright holders are quite happy for you to display your allegiance.

S.x.

You have a point there. But as long as it still can be flagged I stay out of this "grey area".

[Zekiran]

Unless you know for a fact that a piece IS designated "okay for use", don't use it. :)

I've seen too many pieces of artwork stolen from tumblr and deviantart that were made by friends that get posted here, to lots of 'likes' and 'wow that is so awesome you're so good'.

they didn't draw the image, and have zero right to put it here. :/

I mean, if anything, just *ask first*. If you find the artist they'd probably be willing to talk to you about it, but if you can't get ahold of them, that's another "don't do it".

[Echo NO Aim]

Originally posted by Zekiran:

Unless you know for a fact that a piece IS designated "okay for use", don't use it. :)

I've seen too many pieces of artwork stolen from tumblr and deviantart that were made by friends that get posted here, to lots of 'likes' and 'wow that is so awesome you're so good'.

they didn't draw the image, and have zero right to put it here. :/

I mean, if anything, just *ask first*. If you find the artist they'd probably be willing to talk to you about it, but if you can't get ahold of them, that's another "don't do it".

If I create my own artwork but with characters from a certain series is it still okay or will it face similiar issues?

[Zekiran]

If you made the artwork, using other copyrighted materials (like, draw a picture of Gordon Freeman) it is yours to do with - except sell for a profit, since it's of someone else's material. That is called "derivative work". Generally that's what is seen all around tumblr and da and other sites - fan art. Most companies do look the other way when people sell a couple prints or tshirts, but when it gets too high a value, they are meant to step in and protect their works.

You can absolutely upload YOUR OWN ARTWORK, as long as it follows the other restrictions (pg13, no hate, etc). I'd strongly suggest also, watermarking your work because people just... steal stuff. :/

[僕の名前 (仮)]

If it's vaporwave picture then it's ok.

[Zekiran]

Originally posted by SomeGuy:

If it's vaporwave picture then it's ok.

no, it seriously is not.

Even supposed vaporware is still held by someone's rights. Unless you can prove that you've looked and attempted to locate the original owners and found nothing, it's still protected.