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Posts: 252 | Thanked: 252 times | Joined on Nov 2009
#4
Originally Posted by davedickson View Post
Making loopable isn't too difficult, just a little bit more tricky

I would be happy to make some, problem is you won't be able to use those images because of copyright. That's the main problem I have run into trying to make other "branded" wallpapers for myself and others.

I am no expert but I guess the rules won't let you cut up and edit the pictures, let alone re-distribute them on a website for everyone else, but saying that its a free website (so you aren't really selling anything) but who knows the rules are so complicated

Can anyone shed some light on the rules concerning this sort of stuff, I realise that there are websites explaining each catergory when an image is classified, but the explainations are just as complicated as the rules
I'd guess you are not allowed to make a wallpaper out of those pictures and distribute them through Maemo Extras' app manager. You are for sure not allowed to earn any money from it without gaining the proper rights from the creators of The Simpsons first.

I don't know how far you might stretch "fair use" when it comes to publishing those wallpapers on a private website. The reason why Wikipedia is allowed to publish those pictures is basically because of fair use through reference. Creating a wallpaper for non-commercial usage might be considered "fair use" in the U.S., but it all boils down to how many lawyers you've got if they sue you. In Europe it depends on each country's copyright laws, which to a small extent allows usage of other's works in your own, but in most cases like this you risk a claim for copyright infringement.

On the other hand there would probably not be any reactions from the creators of The Simpsons as I believe they are more than happy with people creating fan art. It is basically just free advertisment for them. If you upload it to a private website, my guess is that nobody will call for copyright infringement, but don't take my word for it. You never know if Matt Groening's lawyers will knock on your door one day.