[DeeeeLeeee]

Hi, this may seem (or may be!) a stupid question (Coz surely thats what Graphic design sites are for??) but is it actually legal to use, say a design you've created on software such as Coreldraw, or adobe illustrator, for Commercial purposes??

I was planning to use some basic 'Clipart' from Microsoft word, to go alongside some of my Slogans, but then when i googled info on it, it says that it can only be used for personal use (or for Schools, churches etc..) Altho there did seem to be a loophole suggesting that if you edit and change the work somewhat, then it is yours to use freely.

I was wary of chancing that, so have been reading up on Graphic Software to purchase and create my own designs, but wonder if the graphics software company would still have some sort of claim to the artwork created?

Its even got me wondering if microsoft have claim to ALL things produced on their p.cs, software etc...! Help! lol!

I hope i'm just worrying needlessly! Else where would one draw the line! lol!

(Also, does anyone know of any free clip art thats legal to use commercially??) I'm just starting out and on a tiny budget!

Thanks for reading! D

 

[kimura-mma]

but is it actually legal to use, say a design you've created on software such as Coreldraw, or adobe illustrator, for Commercial purposes??

Coreldraw and Adobe Illustrator are industry standard graphic design programs. So yes, it is legal to use them to create designs for commercial purposes.

But keep in mind, when you purchase the software you are actually purchasing a license to use the software. There are different types of licenses. So some may restrict the usage, such as use for commercial purposes.

I was planning to use some basic 'Clipart' from Microsoft word, to go alongside some of my Slogans, but then when i googled info on it, it says that it can only be used for personal use (or for Schools, churches etc..) Altho there did seem to be a loophole suggesting that if you edit and change the work somewhat, then it is yours to use freely.

Anytime you use some type of artwork (whether it's clipart or a photo) that you didn't originally create, you are potentially infringing on intellectual property.

There is no loophole that states changing artwork makes it yours. You may read something about "changing it 30%" but that is a myth, not an actual law. There are laws regarding "derivative works" and "parody," but those can be slippery slopes. So it's good to learn more about it and even consult an IP attorney before going that route.

I was wary of chancing that, so have been reading up on Graphic Software to purchase and create my own designs, but wonder if the graphics software company would still have some sort of claim to the artwork created?

If you purchased the software and the license allows commercial use, then you shouldn't have a problem. Even if the license specified not intended for commercial use, I have never heard of a software company claiming rights to an artist's work.

Its even got me wondering if microsoft have claim to ALL things produced on their p.cs, software etc...! Help! lol! I hope i'm just worrying needlessly! Else where would one draw the line! lol!

Yes, I think you're worrying needlessly.

(Also, does anyone know of any free clip art thats legal to use commercially??) I'm just starting out and on a tiny budget!

Try doing a google search for "commercial free clip art." If you need photos, search for "public domain images."

 

[DeeeeLeeee]

Thank you so much Tim! You have put my 'worried mind' (somewhat! lol) to rest! with your Spot on info! Much appreciated!!!!!

 

[DecalGuy]

Here is a good link from Microsoft on their copyright and who own what.

Use of Microsoft Copyrighted Content

Mike

 

[PositiveDave]

Here is a good link from Microsoft on their copyright and who own what.

Use of Microsoft Copyrighted Content

Mike

Apparently Microsoft own the rights to my first born child! Panic!

 

[IYFGraphics]

Apparently Microsoft own the rights to my first born child! Panic!

LOL...Dave you almost made me spit my coffee all over my monitor...good one.

I don't even have to read the their license to say that almost every piece of software we (you) buy is merely a license to use the software not ownership of said piece of software, there are restrictions at every turn including selling the software when your finished using it....it's a heck of a racket.

 

[royster13]

If Microsoft owns the rights to my "1st born child" where do I send him!

 

[DeeeeLeeee]

Thank you Mike!

 

[DeeeeLeeee]

Apparently Microsoft own the rights to my first born child! Panic!

LOL! Exactly! just where DOES one draw the line!!!! ;-)

 

[bungy]

Hi, this may seem (or may be!) a stupid question (Coz surely thats what Graphic design sites are for??) but is it actually legal to use, say a design you've created on software such as Coreldraw, or adobe illustrator, for Commercial purposes??

I was wary of chancing that, so have been reading up on Graphic Software to purchase and create my own designs, but wonder if the graphics software company would still have some sort of claim to the artwork created?

It is legal to use CorelDraw or Adobe CS* for commercial use as long as you have purchased the full retail package.

It clearly states in the EULA of both company's that the student/academic versions are not to be used for commercial purposes.

As far as clipart, the other responses posted have covered it fairly well.

 

[royster13]

Where is the license agreement for Adobe Illustrator does it say that?....

 

[PositiveDave]

Has anyone EVER read an EULA?

 

[DeeeeLeeee]

Thanks Steve, that's good to know!

 

[Corel Whisperer]

LOL! Exactly! just where DOES one draw the line!!!! ;-)

You can draw the line in any program you what, the real question is who owns it once it is drawn?
CW

 

[dlac]

Great posts, lot of really good information.. I have done my share of creating art and even once in awhile have infringed.. Have done work for large companies and have gotten cease and decists from larger ones.. I think one of the things to keep in mind is little printers in little markets, working for little clients are almost never hasseled over these types of issues.. Not encouraging anyone to break the law but lots of these small printers lean on most of these issues.. again just my$.02
dlac

 

[Rodney]

I think one of the things to keep in mind is little printers in little markets, working for little clients are almost never hasseled over these types of issues. Not encouraging anyone to break the law but lots of these small printers lean on most of these issues.

That's not really true. Printers both large and small can and have been hassled and sued over copyright infringement.

Just because people do it and some might get away with it doesn't make it right. We really don't want to encourage or suggest that if you're small it's OK here...that could give folks false confidence that might cost them serious money in legal fees.

That being said, I don't think this thread is about using copyrighted artwork, it's just asking can you use CorelDraw to create original artwork that you then sell commercially.