Hi everyone, I want to build a website which offers free desktop wallpapers. I'm wondering how to deal with copyright, etc. Can an image be edited and used freely? How can I tell if an image is copyright free so anyone can freely publish them? I was thinking about just hiring someone to make them from scratch....is this the best method? Thanks
No, images cannot be used or edited without permission. All images and illustrations have an automatic copyright. If you want to hire someone, make sure you took the pictures or have express permission to use them for your intended usage (some copyright owners allow usage, but not for wallpapers or on a commercial site - i.e. you have ads running on the site). If the person you hire tells you they have permission to use the photos, and they don't, the site owner (you) is still responsible for paying damages to the copyright owner. Free wallpaper sites are a dime a dozen. Unless you are going to create original artwork and offer something unique, you should probably find another idea - especially if you want to avoid the possibility of legal issues.
What is the point of trying to re invent the wheel? There are so many sites that offer free desktop wallpapers as it is. So you are not going to get anywhere fast with another one, and you are only opening yourself up to problems. Why not come up with something original?