Question about flags...

Mokonafan · **Posted:** Thu Sep 12, 2013 9:59 am **(#1)**

If I was to use images of flags based off of Nations would that be copyright infringement?
And if it is, if I drew them would that still be copyright infringement on the country's right to their national emblem.
I don't intend to disrespect the flags in anyway, but try and show things and teach about things within the countries so they can gain more recognition and possibly respect not disrespect!

Thank you to whoever answers!

~ God Bless ~

~ Moko

Mike · **Joined:** Aug 27, 2010 **Posts:** 491

Your purpose falls within the exceptions for use of copyrighted material. Education, criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research purposes do not infringe on copyright. Many nations don't even have copyright laws. Betsy Ross certainly isn't around to claim infringement on her design for the U.S. flag.

Caz · **Posted:** Thu Sep 12, 2013 12:03 pm **(#3)**

The flag of my country, the Union flag, it's only called the Union Jack when at sea, is used in all sorts of merchandise and I've never heard of any copright being applied to it. So I dare say it's fair game to use.
Actually, the flag of England is Saint George's Cross, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have there own flags too. The Union flag is a combination of the English and Scottish flags. Just a bit of trivia I thought I'd share.

Mokonafan · **Posted:** Thu Sep 12, 2013 3:19 pm **(#4)**

Hmm, okay..!
But what if I was to publish for profit? Free is one thing, but profit is another! >.<!

lylejk · **Joined:** Sep 24, 2010 **Posts:** 12851

With all the purses/cloething and such that uses the various flags on this planet, I don't think you have to worry about copyright infringement Moko.

ofnuts · **Joined:** Oct 25, 2010 **Posts:** 4812

Caz wrote:

The Union flag is a combination of the English and Scottish flags. Just a bit of trivia I thought I'd share.

The red diagonals are from Saint Patrick's flag :mrgreen:

Mike · **Joined:** Aug 27, 2010 **Posts:** 491

Mokonafan wrote:

Hmm, okay..!
But what if I was to publish for profit? Free is one thing, but profit is another! >.<!

You'd still be fine. Look at all the fake patriotic crap sold in America.
Plastic flags, anyone? :roll:

Mokonafan · **Posted:** Thu Sep 12, 2013 4:07 pm **(#8)**

Mike wrote:

Mokonafan wrote:

Hmm, okay..!
But what if I was to publish for profit? Free is one thing, but profit is another! >.<!

You'd still be fine. Look at all the fake patriotic crap sold in America.
Plastic flags, anyone? :roll:

LoL well I thought they had to have a special license to produce things like that.
Thanks. xD

he4rty · **Joined:** Aug 30, 2012 **Posts:** 2174

The UK flag commonly known as the union jack needs to be drawn correctly and the right way up, this website was helpful to me when I designed one once

RobA · **Joined:** Jul 14, 2010 **Posts:** 697

It depends on the country.

For example, here in Canada:

Quote:

Canadians are free to use and display the National Flag of Canada as they wish. However, the Trade-marks Act protects the National Flag of Canada against unauthorized commercial use. Requests to use the flag should be addressed to:

Director
Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols Promotion
Department of Canadian Heritage
Ottawa ON K1A 0M5

Telephone: 819-994-1616
Facsimile: 819-997-8550

(from http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/ccl/faq.html#q13 )

IINAL, but I think that it only applies under Canadian law to people in Canada...

-Rob A>

Caz · **Posted:** Fri Sep 13, 2013 12:08 pm **(#11)**

ofnuts wrote:

Caz wrote:

The Union flag is a combination of the English and Scottish flags. Just a bit of trivia I thought I'd share.

The red diagonals are from Saint Patrick's flag :mrgreen:

I had a feeling I was going to be wrong about the flag but didn't know why :hehe

Oh well you live and learn, and it took a French man to teach me :lol