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Can Online Companies sue me for using their...

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smolodoy
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Can online companies sue me for using their buttons if I change them just a bit, like the size, and text font.

For example I'd like to use ebays "search" button so I've took it and change the sizes a bit and the text font, so am I fine or can they still sue me for it?
#companies #online #sue
  • Profile picture of the author smolodoy
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    anyone got an answer to it?
    • Profile picture of the author burtonridr2
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      yea I'd like to know where they draw the line between your original content, created by someone elses material, and copyright infringement.... Is there a line?
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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
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        Originally Posted by burtonridr2 View Post

        yea I'd like to know where they draw the line between your original content, created by someone elses material, and copyright infringement.... Is there a line?
        As I said in another thread...there is no specific percentage that makes it okay. If you are simply altering an image, then you are breaking the copyright. It doesn't matter how much you change it.

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        • Profile picture of the author burtonridr2
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          Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

          As I said in another thread...there is no specific percentage that makes it okay. If you are simply altering an image, then you are breaking the copyright. It doesn't matter how much you change it.

          All the best,
          Michael
          Thanks for the clarification
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
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    Yes, they can sue you.

    More specifically, whoever holds the copyright to the images, which may or may not be the owner of the website.

    You would be violating their copyright. It doesn't matter how much you change it, it would still be a derivative work, which is prohibited under the copyright.

    Don't do it.

    All the best,
    Michel
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill D-G
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    Yes, of course they can sue you. Your question really is "can I win"? Maybe, but do you have the resources to defend yourself? Probably not. My advice would be to stay clear of anything that remotely looks like trademark or copyright infringement.
  • Profile picture of the author Suthan M
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    Originally Posted by smolodoy View Post

    Can online companies sue me for using their buttons if I change them just a bit, like the size, and text font.

    For example I'd like to use ebays "search" button so I've took it and change the sizes a bit and the text font, so am I fine or can they still sue me for it?
    Wouldnt it be easier to get a designer to use the button as a inspiration and create a new one for you?

    You get a custom design, less a lawsuit :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
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      Originally Posted by Suthan M View Post

      Wouldnt it be easier to get a designer to use the button as a inspiration and create a new one for you?

      You get a custom design, less a lawsuit :-)
      Often designers create derivative works - even without thinking about it. It's just a small world and just a couple things really work that good, so everybody uses the "same" way, with small differences here and there.

      Imagine Cars - one guys created the idea of using wheels. But every car developer uses them. Same thing with some IM things, like buttons, banner designs, etc etc.

      I'm not saying people should COPY/PASTE something already created - NO WAY. And I'm no lawyer either.

      But the nature of the web is this.

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  • Profile picture of the author Rich Struck
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    If you are clever enough to change a button, why not just make one? There used to be tons of sites with free stuff like this, you could try that route too.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
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      Originally Posted by Rich Struck View Post

      If you are clever enough to change a button, why not just make one? There used to be tons of sites with free stuff like this, you could try that route too.
      That's a good point, Rich. There are all kinds of sites out there that let you create good looking buttons for free. You can set different options and add whatever text you like.

      ~Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author scottallison
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    Yes they can do this, most likely they will not do it. But you may get a nice letter from lawyers if it's too similar or if it's a bid Brand .

    But is this good business? NO

    Scott
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