Reference Images and Copyright Question

redcap

Does anyone know the laws and regulations regarding using reference images to help block out 3d models. I just need to get the general form of some random objects, not textures.

For example if I want to make a couch for a commercial video game, can I use images like those found on flickr as a reference to block out the proportions of a couch?

P.S. if the answer is no, does anyone have good resources of where they get reference images they can use commercially?

Fwap

I haven't looked into it personally, but an interesting question.
Here is my take on it, generally it is fine, as long as the final product doesn't include the source reference.
But keep in mind, some designs are intellectual property, for instance using a reference of a unique chair design and modeling it 100% match might be a problem if the designer of said chair wants it to be, but a generic chair on the other hand should be no problem.

Sorry for the bad analogy but its like 4am here

redcap

That is actually what I figured, but I always want to make sure to respect other artist's work.

Regarding not copying the design exactly, I actually find that quite cool. I mean, there are certain couches that are so distinguishable that people can tell who made them. How gratifying would that be as an artist for your couch design to be world renown.