would a licence be required to create a wordpress theme from .psd files?

Would I need a licence to create a wordpress theme from .psd files.the .psd files consist of a 5 page website.

Thanks in advance

 

A license from who? Did you create the psd?

 

no I didnt create them,and the guy who did isnt interested in getting them coded so im thinking of getting them done myself

 

You don't need permission from wordpress, but you need permission from the person who created the psd.

 

So he has copyright on the images that he created?,I mean he hasnt created a template and if I had the image altered slightly,its no longer his design,is that correct?

 

Changing the images slightly makes it a derivative - and you still need permission. Photographs, illustrations, template designs, etc., have an automatic copyright upon creation. It doesn't matter that he hasn't created a template - the design is his to do with as he wants, or doesn't want to.

 

So for me to create a wordpress theme from his design I would need to pay him for each individual licenced copy I create or I can buy exclusive rights to the design,is that about the size of it?

 

It's up to the copyright holder - ask them.

 

It's his creative product, he can dictate any terms he chooses.

 

Just a quick update -I have decided to hire a coder to create a wordpress theme which I will have copyright to.I can see how the owner of the original .psd files has complete rights to do as he wishes,but I have no intention of paying so much for each individual license.Especially when there are endless options to create something unique.Will it be a derivative of his design?,well it will have web 2.0 elements and a colour scheme similar to his but in no way a copy