Copyright laws against using images for 3d reference

Wheelz

I want to sell the things I make in my 3D program of choice, but I am not sure if I can if I use images found with a quick Google search. If I limit the search to just images with no copyright rights on them, that REALLY limits me. Say I want to model a weapon or a car. I will need good reference images to make a good model. Can I go on Google and use whatever image even if it has the most strict copyrights on it? I will not be using that image in my project, just to model the object. I will get rid of it afterwards.

pior

No.

Wheelz

A little elaboration wouldn't hurt. How do all these people sell their work? Where do they get their references from? I would very much like to know.

Tekoppar

As long as you use them as reference when you model you're OK. There is no law against making a reference board.

Wheelz

What if I want to alter them to make them more adequate for using as references? I have not been able to find anything online that says it is okay to use images as a reference. Where did you find that information?

Eric Chadwick

Fair use, read about it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_law_of_the_United_States#Fair_Use

Wheelz

Nice to see you here, Admin! I did read that. I Just wanted to make sure I was allowed to use images for reference. There is a lot of legal talk in there that I don't quite understand. Better to make sure then get in trouble with the copyright holder.

JordanN

It might be of interest to you, I recently made a thread discussing copyrights and models:

http://polycount.com/discussion/180218/where-do-stylized-props-fall-under-copyright-status

Bartalon

I've also heard that it's not just brand names that are copyrighted, but the actual shape and contour of some vehicles (among other products).  Can't remember where I heard this so don't cite me on it.  But it's worth investigating I think.

almighty_gir

in terms of fair-use, i would imagine that using a reference image to create a 3d model, regardless of whether it's a direct representation in 3d or not, would fall under a transformative. HOWEVER, the original concept artist could likely sue you for some portion of your profits.