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Re: anatomy illlustrations


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Posted by M. Arthur Auslander on September 21, 1999 at 05:40:20:

In Reply to: anatomy illlustrations posted by J. Drummond on September 20, 1999 at 14:38:01:

: I work for a company that has hired a graphic artist who uses copyrighted works as "reference" to make anatomical illustrations. He looks at images on the web or in a book and then does his work (very similar in appearance to the reference) on computer. I am expected to supply him with "reference" materials and to give him direction. I am extremely uncomfortable with this. My questions: Does this sound like copyright infringement? If he makes a few changes or uses more than one "reference" for an illustration, does that make a difference? Does the fact that they are anatomy (rather than a fictional character or something)illustrations change the way the law is interpreted? Could I be held liable for my role? Any information would be greatly appreciated
The copyright law protects the mode of expression. There is no pervasive copyright on a skeleton. If an artist makes changes on an existing work but copies the basic work, the artist is entitled to copyright the work even if it is an infringement. The way you phrase the situation, suggests a risk. Without taking professional responsibility for the thought, there may be risk for you. Copying from copyright expired works, is not infringement. The situation is too complex to be able to fully be certain of where it stands. The nature of the law is that there are opinions that can go both ways. That is why lawyers stay in business. A further reality is that even if there is an infringement it may not be found to be acted upon. I don't like that approach its like taking poison to see if you die.
M. Arthur Auslander
E arly L egal A dvice I s N ot E xpensive
ELAINE's Workshop (sm):
Auslander & Thomas-Intellectual Property Law Since 1909
505 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018
212-594-6900, fax 212-244-0028, aus@auslander



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