I recently used a Micky mouse picture from google images (on the request of the client) onto a website that i was creating. But all the way through desigining I only wondeed one thing: Is this copywright Voilation? But say even if i go ahead and launch this website as a personal website for somebody, do you think disney or other copywright authorities havea chance to come across the website and sue the owner.
You can't use any image or illustration you didn't create unless you have permission. Of course they can go after the website owner if they choose. The site owner might then go after the site designer.
but say that if it is a personal website only for a set of friends and family, then what are the chances of others finding out that a mickey mouse picture was used.. It can only happen if they come across it accedently or are there other means by which they monitor?
There are services that scan for copyrighted images. No one can tell you exactly the risk, only that it exists. I guess if you noindex the site and forbid access to images, it would greatly reduce the risk. If it is going to run any type of advertising, then I certainly wouldn't it. My guess (and it is only a guess) is that a personal site with minimal traffic isn't going to be sued right off, but rather receive a request to remove it.
It's not so much a copyright violation but a trade mark violation. It's more than likely that images of MM are trade marked by Disney.
... and Disney are people you don't want to annoy when it comes to violating trademarks. They have a set of lawyers who are very hungry for your money, and love punishing people.
you guys are really scaring me... So what is the best way of going about adding pictures to a website that do not violate any copyrights
I buy photos and vector art from iStockPhoto.com. It's not free, but it's not that expensive, either. You can easily pass that cost on to your clients. I think it's about $13 for 10 credits last time I bought, with per-credit breaks if you buy more. I can usually get by using the smallest 1-credit files because most of them are for the web. Higher-resolution files are more than 1 credit per image. Anyway, then you don't have to worry about copyright. Hope this helps.
or you can always create your own mickey mouse but something different maybe pointy ears and a suit or something.