- United States copyright law protects original work created by artists. Paintings, sculptures and photographs are examples of visual art protected by copyright laws. An artist who creates an original work has the right to control its use and to receive payment and credit. Copyright protection does not last forever. Its duration varies.
- Copyright infringement happens when someone uses art without permission from the copyright owner. For example, using a photograph in your mixed media collage without the photographer's permission is an infringement. When an artist recreates another artist's work in a different media, it could be an infringement. The "Fair Use" doctrine does allow some uses, such as use for research and nonprofit educational purposes, within limits. Courts determine copyright infringement on a case-by-case basis, according to the facts of each case.
- Avoid copyright infringement when using copyrighted art works --- such as photographs or paintings --- by obtaining written permission from the creator of the work that you want to use or reproduce.
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