Stock Photos and Copyrights

[phsv]

Hi, I just finished registering to this forum and looking forward to learing a lot from all you all here!

Here is my question: I have an outdoor sporting good store and I shot photos as a hobby. Since I have all these products at my disposal, I wanted to take photos of it and then try to sell them as stock images. I wanted to know if this could be possible or do think you that I might be breaking some laws.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[adam LC]

I'm not sure but, i think it's okay as long as there are no names like "Nike" or "Reebok" or whatever visible.

[zacker]

I think as long as there is no discernable trade marks like the Nike Swoosh, the coke wave..that sorta thing..and like adamlc said, no names. A football helmet is a football helmet, is a football helmet... but, once you can see the name... bad!

[lingham]

yeah its seen as brand advertising

like said a helmet is a helmet but if it contains a logo then its a "nike helmet"

[vwpilot]

Or beyond names, any distinguishable markings or designs.

For instance, Addidas has their new design for soccer balls and that is their design. Just shooting it without a logo or Pshopping it out will not change the fact that its a very plainly identifiable Addidas ball. So you couldnt do that.

[phsv]

Thank you all for your input. So would it be safe to assume that I can take photos and then remove remove the logos from the products using Photoshop. Now, is this still "ethical" within the stock photography business?

And, I'll stay away from distinguishable markings and designs. Since I was thinking of taking photos of firearms, I think that might out of the picture if the firearms have a unique design.

Thank again for your input and looking forward to reading your responces about my other question.