copyright law........?

Question

Is it okay to give a link like the one below? Or does this break some copyright law?

http://witchdoctor.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/christmas-tree.jpg

I might add I would just be using it for private emails etc. Or on here.

Answer 1

As long as it's the direct link and you do not "steal" the picture to use for a commercial purpose it's ok.

Also, note that if there's no copyright message posted then you can use the link.

Answer 2

Adding a link that is on the Web is legal aas can be.
Here is where you run into trouble. Lets say you use this link and add a family picture to it and it is the backround then it would be illegal.
Any picture , or printed media is automaticly copyrighted when the author or artist creates it. Irreguardless if it is properly filed as a Trademark which is completly different.
As long as you use this image as a link like you did here you are fine as long as you don't add something like Merry Christmas from the Smith's or something like that, to it.
For more info on it Google it it tells all.
Don

Answer 3

as mentioned before, if it does not state copyright then it may be public domain. it is important to ask permission if you want to use it publicly on your site. it is the law and also shows respect to the originator of the image IE: artist.
it is the same as citing a source in a speech, give credit to the orignal artist. I can guarantee the artist, if asked properly, will be more than happy for you to "borrow" the image on your sites

Answer 4

Look up fair use on google it will tell you under copyright law what you can and cannot use other material for.

Thanks
Will