Can I legally use screenshots in a guide?

Hi all.
This is my first post but dont get the wrong idea. I was looking up my issue and saw this website and decided to register. Naturally needing help this is the first place im posting. I will be active however as this seems like a decent forum.

So anyway, im currently writing an ebook which includes a tutorial for some things such as signups and as a result i use screenshots of the website that im showing how to sign up at, step by step.

Obviously Im not going to tell you what my ebooks about or any other information as mods etc will probably get angry and think im just spamming.

Ive been pretty paranoid though about if I can actually get in legal trouble. The guide actually promotes their product though and any sales would bring the website business and quite allot if the user actually follows my guide.

So naturally it wouldn't be in their best interest out of being grateful for the traffic etc to sue me but I still want to check if it is legal or not. ive done a ton of research and cant find anything set in stone about it.

One thing I did read though mentioned that a screenshot is like a photograph, its your property as long as you dont claim what's in the image is yours.

The website im talking about is a U.S website and I live in the U.K if this has any affects.

Anyway, you guys are the experts so I thought id ask you.

Thanks allot!.
- Luke

 

I have yet to see someone sued for taking a screenshot. I think the problem with us is we are wasting too much time with petty stuffs like this. Though in the end I may be mistaken but I don't see any infringement in taking a screenshot of another site to be used in a guide in fact its the opposite. Most webmasters would be happy to get that extra fame unless of course you are SS things, info details in a site which have strict confidential policies.

 

Thanks for the reply and helping me with the decision on its legality. The screenshots show no personal information and is actually showing the user how to use their service and promoting it as Im showing the user how to use their website for leverage (the site gains when they do this via affiliate etc).

 

and I see no problem by doing so. If you want to make sure send the site owner an email though.

 

There is an exception in copyright law known as "fair use." One ot the fair use exceptions is using copyright material in a teaching setting. Therefore, you may use a screen shot of another site to teach about how sites should be used.

 

yes, have to agree with the consensus here, unless you have signed a non-disclosure agreement you should be free to engage in just about any kind of fair use,

: This is not legal advise,)

 

This issue has nothing to do with non disclosure agreements.

 

Ok, thanks for the advice. Another question is, say my guide is 'making money with xyz' can i legally call it that if the name has that little r symbol meaning its registered? or would I get in trouble? id also like the domain makingmoneywithxyz.com or something but dont know if I will get in trouble for that either I mean these guides on faceboook etc are still up..

 

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Sorry. You could sell a guide "Making money with Coke". Coke is registered. But Coke doesn't sell guides for making money. You can't sell cola while using the word Coke - but you can sell a guide. Of course, this is a very rough illustration on just one point. Don't take it as legal advice. Call Attorney Jaffe and he will be able to sort is out. Don't get sued - have an expert set you up right.