I want to create a website featuring the wallpapers of many popular hollywood celebrities. Found some good number of images from public domain which i can use too.. Can anyone explain me the rules of the copyright in the internet before i go and make the wallpapers and pictures online ?? I dont want to be screwed lateron for using copyrighted content.

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The pictures are no longer subject to Copyright Law because these are already published with no restrictions on copying.

Basically if you don't have permission - if you're not absolutely certain they are public domain and can prove it - you could theoretically be liable for hundreds to several thousand dollars for each picture depending on whether they want to sue you or not. There are ways to get around it but it would take a bit of work and expense.

Copyright law can vary from country to country, but in general, you should be aware that the term 'public domain' has no significance here. There is often a confusion between 'the public domain' and 'the internet'. For something to be in 'the public domain', it must usually be either out of copyright, or specifically put there by the copyright owner, or, in some countries, work the result of public funding. It is quite certain, however, that photographs of celebrities will not be in 'the public domain' -- on the contrary, copyright will exist and be held either by the original photographer or (according to jurisdiction), the person who comissioned the photograph. Copyright generally exists for 50 to 70 years (again depending on jurisdiction), so any such photographs will almost certainly be under copyright. If you are only decorating your website with famous faces as a background, it is unlikely you would face any problem in practice. However, if you were selling them, or showing them in some bad light (I don't for a moment sugggest you are, I merely mention it for completeness), then you could well run foul of the law. It looks clear that your intent is fair dealing, however, as you're taking the time (and courtesy) to try and find out.