If I make a website menu for people to download (for free) and put it on my website. If I used a section copyrighted image in the menu would I be breaking copyright law

All Answers To Questions

absolutely... the only way to use copyrighted material (full or in part) is to contact the copyright owner and explain to them what you're doing, and if it's just a section of a copyrighted image, maybe they will allow it, but you MUST contact them or you may be in the middle of a horrendous lawsuit.

Yes I think you will... copyrighted images are prohibited to be shared. but actually lost of people share them on the internet. some protect them with watermark for display only.

Yes. Use of copyrighted images without permission is infringing on the copyright, and subjects you to liability. Use another menu design. You don't qualify, based on the facts you gave, for parody or fair use, which are two most applicable defenses someone in your situation might have. Good luck, Dana (attorney)