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This may be an unnecessary warning, but unless you have a model release signed by Angelina Jolie to use her image to promote your site, you should probably find

by tghw 14y ago

This may be an unnecessary warning, but unless you have a model release signed by Angelina Jolie to use her image to promote your site, you should probably find another photo to use. I'm not a lawyer and laws vary by state, but in most states, to use someone's image commercially, you need a model release, which basically a contract stating that they have received appropriate compensation for use of their image. (Note, it is not necessary to have a model release for "news" uses.) Failing to do so opens you up to being sued. Using a celebrity's image increases that likelihood because they have a legitimate claim that their image is worth something.

gailees 14y ago
Wow...didn't even think about that. Looking to find a new image now. Thanks!
- tghw 14y ago
  No problem. I made the comment for you guys, especially as you're starting to get press, but also for the community as a whole. While IP issues are rarely clear cut here in HN, I think we can agree that, with current copyright laws, you'd be hard pressed to argue that you weren't violating the photographer's copyright as well as misusing Ms. Jolie's image. I understand that not everyone here agrees with the laws as they're currently written, but when you're starting a business, things like this are important to get right, regardless of how you feel about IP laws.
mc32 14y ago
I totally agree with you about that. It could be that when she was younger she had some pictures taken, signed a release and some agency/photog. owns the rights. This agen(t)/cy in turn could sell the image for a specific use and she can't do anything about it. Now, if it's hers and she's got the (c) on it, then she could sue for all kinds of damages, if used without express consent. I have no idea when this image was taken.
- tghw 14y ago
  Exactly. And I didn't even address the copyright issues with using this image. As I mentioned in another comment, the laws on this one would be pretty clear cut, and regardless of how you feel about IP laws, it would be a huge mistake to so flagrantly misuse an image while starting a business.

by tghw 14y ago

gailees 14y ago

Wow...didn't even think about that. Looking to find a new image now. Thanks!

tghw 14y ago
No problem. I made the comment for you guys, especially as you're starting to get press, but also for the community as a whole. While IP issues are rarely clear cut here in HN, I think we can agree that, with current copyright laws, you'd be hard pressed to argue that you weren't violating the photographer's copyright as well as misusing Ms. Jolie's image. I understand that not everyone here agrees with the laws as they're currently written, but when you're starting a business, things like this are important to get right, regardless of how you feel about IP laws.

mc32 14y ago

I totally agree with you about that. It could be that when she was younger she had some pictures taken, signed a release and some agency/photog. owns the rights. This agen(t)/cy in turn could sell the image for a specific use and she can't do anything about it. Now, if it's hers and she's got the (c) on it, then she could sue for all kinds of damages, if used without express consent. I have no idea when this image was taken.

tghw 14y ago
Exactly. And I didn't even address the copyright issues with using this image. As I mentioned in another comment, the laws on this one would be pretty clear cut, and regardless of how you feel about IP laws, it would be a huge mistake to so flagrantly misuse an image while starting a business.