Royalty Free - What does it really mean?

[trucks1948]

I understand the reason we don't use copywrighted logos and things,no one wants to lose this great site.My questions are first aren't the military emblems,army,navy,marines that we see on here copywrighted?Second isn't there somewhere to go to check if something is copywrighted?Thought i'd ask here cause i'm sure someone will know.Thanks Jim

[Metal Man]

I hope Military logos are owned by us tax payers

[trucks1948]

never thought of that

[noplacetosail]

I have yet to find a definitive answer to this question.

[SignTorch Vector Art]

Logos are TRADEMARKS, not to be confused with copyright.

Trademark protects brand identity.

Copyright protects creative expression.

Patent protects ideas and innovation.

It is true that the US government's copyrights are by default public domain.

Trademarks, however, are symbols that represent the mark owner's institution, reputation, high standards and sometimes authority, which copyright does not cover.

In the same sense that it would be inappropriate, and could be misleading, to use the Presidential Seal, it is also inappropriate and can be misleading to use any trademark without authorization without exceptions.

Each mark owner has every right to control every aspect of how their mark may be used.

Trademark infringement is particularly risky because mark owners are usually large corporations with a duty to protect their trademark.

The risk is always a lot more than the reward.

[BrianMick]

While we are on the subject.........Could sombody define "royalty free images"......does that mean I can use those and sell them or repost them with no consequence or repercussions?
Brian

[SignTorch Vector Art]

Royalty Free simply means you don't have to pay royalties for each unit produced.

It does not mean you have any additional rights not spelled out in the license agreement.

Royalty Free is just a marketing phrase that doesn't need advertising. It usually goes without saying.

Royalties are usually paid to artists/owners for limited rights to commercially reproduce and sell their work whenever there is a right to redistribute included.

[WSS]

Bravo Gary!

Thank-you, that has answered quite a few hazy questions/answers.

WSS

[BrianMick]

yes thanks gary, I have always wondered that...
Brian