Frequently Asked Questions About Our Artwork And Copyrights

Why do images on the Loch Ness Productions Web site have a string of ©©©©s through them?

We're simply trying to protect our copyright on the images we've created. In an ideal world, we wouldn't have to detract from the viewing experience with that obnoxious watermark strip across the middle of each image. And naturally, when you purchase an image from us, it won't have the copyright notice printed in the image area. But we've found people were stripping off the printed notice in the corner, and using the images freely in their Web pages, even though they're already very low-res JPGs. We have to pay our Web server for the downloads -- TANSTAAFL.

Then why are the images here in the first place?

Our intent is simply to provide a preview catalog of our artwork, so you can judge if it's appropriate to purchase a higher-resolution version for use in your project or facility. If it provides inspiration for you, fine. But it's not free clip art; we try to make our living by selling our creative works.

So how can I use the JPG images on your Web site?

You may browse and download images only for personal, non-commercial use. Actually, to view it, your browser downloads a copy of the image by default. That's the only copy we allow you to make. Any other use (making additional copies, displaying images publicly, redistributing files electronically or using images for personal or corporate gain) requires our permission. Without it, any such act would constitute copyright infringement, might infringe other rights, and would certainly tick us off.

Once I've downloaded a JPG image, can I make a printout?

Okay, as long as your printout is for personal, non-commercial use.

Can I play with the JPG images; can I alter them?

As long as what you do is for personal, non-commercial use, and no additional copies are made, what you do in the privacy of your own computer is up to you!

Can I post your JPG images on our network? Can I email the JPG images to others?

No. You can browse, download, or print images for personal, non-commercial use, but making or distributing multiple copies of an image -- or allowing them to be made -- would constitute infringement and is not allowed.

What do you mean, non-commercial use?

We define "non-commercial" as "nothing of value changes hands" between you and someone else.

If I send your images to my friends for free, there's no money involved. Why can't I do that?

First, you would be making multiple copies, which is not allowed. Second, if you distribute images to others, the use is no longer personal. Third, you would be providing them with something of value (or else you wouldn't be doing it), so that goes against our definition above.

If I put your images on a T-shirt but don't sell the shirt, that would be non-commercial. Isn't that personal use?

No. First, to make a T-shirt you would be making another copy of the image (beyond the one that's on your computer), which is not allowed. Second, if you wore the shirt you would be displaying our image publicly, which is not personal use and is not allowed.

Can I take just parts of an image, say to use as an element in a different piece of art?

No, because to do so, you would have to make an additional copy of our image, which is not allowed.

Can I use your images on my personal Web page?

Yes, and we've set up a special, low-cost license fee for such a purpose. We will be happy to provide high-resolution electronic versions of them -- without the copyright notice in the image area -- so the images will look their best (and so will you and we)! Our prices are quite reasonable -- check them out!

Otherwise, if you try to use our JPGs directly -- first, you'd appear to be incredibly naive, posting a clearly copyrighted image on your Web page. Second, you'd be making multiple copies, which isn't allowed. Third, you'd be displaying the images publicly, which isn't allowed. Fourth, you'd be distributing copies to everyone who hits your page, and by this time, the number of copyright infringements are overwhelming.

What if I remove your copyright markings and use the JPG image anyway?

Then you would clearly be demonstrating the behavior of an immoral, unethical boob; we will take appropriate measures to ensure our copyrights are protected.

How can Loch Ness claim a copyright on NASA photographs that are in the public domain?

We don't, because we don't sell NASA photographs. While a few of our artwork pieces are based on NASA images, we've retouched or otherwise modified them, creating a new piece of artwork. It's that creation we sell and copyright. We do not claim rights in underlying photographs that are in the public domain.

Okay. I'm a moral, ethical person, and I want to make commercial use of an image. What do I need to do?

Thought you'd never ask! Check out our prices and licensing terms.

We were impressed with the copyright and licensing info on the Web site
of The Stock Solution, and patterned some of our elements from theirs. Check them out!