Pictures on the internet

[Dan Clermont]

I am about to start a website and was wondering if it is illegal to borrow pics from say the Festool USA website instead of taking my own.

I e-mailed Shane about this a couple of weeks ago and never heard back.

Thanks
Dan Clermont

 

[Brice Burrell]

Well, the images are copyright protected, so you can't use them without permission. Your issue is going to be getting that permission. Festool may be reluctant to give you permission not know how you are going to use the pictures or what the content of your site is or more importantly what it will be in the future. You may be better off shooting your own pictures.

 

[woodshopdemos]

Dan,
  I am going to give you some bad advice...well if not bad, then just illegal.

I use a pic off a manufacturers website without permission and just give credit "picture from XYZ Company website." Havent been sued yet.

You didnt say, but a key difference will be whether you are selling something and the picture is used as part of that offering. Then trhey might issue you a "cease and desist order"...so you stop using it. You do not go to jail, nor do you collect $200.