dorincard
Member 
Posts: 1,450 
What I collect: My focus is on Wild Mammals on maximum cards. Occasionally, I get or create maximum cards with other animals, or any other topic.
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Post by dorincard on Sept 12, 2021 12:41:10 GMT
Hi!
Is it OK to use USPS stamp images to upload to unsplash, iStock, Getty Images, pixabay, etc?
How about postcard images?
Under what conditions?
Thank you!
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tobben63
Member
Stamp eat sleep repeat
Posts: 1,866
What I collect: I collect to much, world wide!
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Post by tobben63 on Sept 12, 2021 12:47:37 GMT
Isn't there a rule that say that it have to be your own image? You have to scan/ take a picture of the stamp yourself?
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dorincard
Member
Posts: 1,450
What I collect: My focus is on Wild Mammals on maximum cards. Occasionally, I get or create maximum cards with other animals, or any other topic.
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Post by dorincard on Sept 12, 2021 13:23:09 GMT
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khj
Member
Posts: 1,460
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Post by khj on Sept 12, 2021 18:23:46 GMT
Regarding US postage stamps, color images of uncancelled US postage stamps for non-commercial purposes may be made provided that image is <75% or >150% of original size. Grayscale images of color stamps may be any size. If you must have exact size color stamp, you are permitted to conspicuously mark the stamp (e.g., obscure the denomination, or put clear black diagonal line across the design in one corner). There are some more details/options, but those are the main ones.
If for commercial purposes, all bets are off unless you get permission.
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,346
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Sept 13, 2021 9:52:40 GMT
Does the image size really only apply to a printed image since in the digital world, it can be scaled at any time?
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Post by michael on Sept 13, 2021 12:39:46 GMT
Am I the only one that doesn't get this? Have never heard of unsplash before but a quick look found this image: It has been viewed 12261 times and downloaded 102 and is free to use!!!!!
Why upload it, why view it, why have 102 people downloaded it and why does dorincard want to upload similar images? It's becoming a mad mad world 
Michael
PS I did a screen image so didn't actually download it. |
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brightonpete
Departed
Rest in Peace
On a hike at Goodrich-Loomis
Posts: 5,110
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Post by brightonpete on Sept 13, 2021 12:55:05 GMT
I had never head of this site either. It looks like a free version of istockphoto. So everything on this site can be downloaded and used by anyone in any way? I'd stay away from that! But ya, why a lousy photo of a stamp? That just doesn't make any sense to me!
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,346
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Sept 13, 2021 12:58:12 GMT
I wonder if all those views are bots.
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eggdog
Member
I want a new Harley!
Posts: 464
What I collect: It's complicated....
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Post by eggdog on Sept 13, 2021 17:44:39 GMT
Affinity, a new competitor to Adobe InDesign, puts a link to Unsplash in with Affinity Publisher and - I think - Affinity Photo. Affinity was known for the Serif PagePlus, DrawPlus, etc. apps; they've been around for a long time (they're better-known in their UK base than in the USA, I think) and I don't think they'd get mixed up with a fly-by-night (or sketchy, so to speak) outfit. I switched from Adobe InDesign to Affinity for my work: it's easier to use and costs less to buy than InDesign does to rent for one year. That might be where at least some of Unsplash's (and what kind of name is that, anyway?) many hits are coming from, anyway. I haven't looked at the mediocre philatelic image - michael 's link is broken for the time being - but if it's that bad, I'm sure dorincard can and will do better. |
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khj
Member
Posts: 1,460
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Post by khj on Sept 13, 2021 19:08:04 GMT
Does the image size really only apply to a printed image since in the digital world, it can be scaled at any time? Yeah, sorry, I'm way too old-school. The USPS DMM G013 Trademarks and Copyrights does not mention online/digital images, but I assume the same rules apply. So if beyond "fair use" and "allowed use", you can only use defaced or cancelled US stamp images (post 1977). If you are selling the actual image (including digital), that's commercial and you would need permission if the stamp was issued after 1Jan1978. But, quite frankly, I don't expect USPS nor the Treasury Department to come knocking on your door. |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,346
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Sept 14, 2021 10:05:53 GMT
I assume they only go after someone who uses the images for profit.
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dorincard
Member
Posts: 1,450
What I collect: My focus is on Wild Mammals on maximum cards. Occasionally, I get or create maximum cards with other animals, or any other topic.
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Post by dorincard on Sept 14, 2021 22:56:40 GMT
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dorincard
Member
Posts: 1,450
What I collect: My focus is on Wild Mammals on maximum cards. Occasionally, I get or create maximum cards with other animals, or any other topic.
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Post by dorincard on Sept 23, 2021 2:24:18 GMT
I'm waiting for Celia's supervisors at The Caves to provide specific details about the intricacies of using USPS postage stamps images.
Now, as far as Zazzle is concerned, I'm also waiting for a nuanced answer, not a standard "no, whatsoever".
I posted in the forum of Zazzle several more considerations, such as this:
<<In fact, my specific goal would be that I CAN USE such [Zazzle] images of mine, on some websites, even for direct or indirect commercial use.
My goal is not necessarily to throw my Zazzle images as "public domain" for just anybody, and for any purpose, especially commercial.
I wonder if there is any photosharing platform that has right now the legal right (how?) to display a Zazzle "personalized stamp" (under what circumstances: blurred words/logo? Postmarked? Photographed at an angle? With written permission from Zazzle?).
I guess "the Internet", including platforms like eBay, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Quora, etc. is allowed by Zazzle to display posts of images of Zazzle personalized stamps when it is non-commercial use. How about eBay?
Maybe selling tangible Zazzle gifts is different than "replicating a Zazzle gift electronic image".>>
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Jerry B
Departed
Rest in Peace
Marietta, Georgia USA
Posts: 1,485
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Post by Jerry B on Sept 23, 2021 10:24:51 GMT
Hi
I thought that the USPS images are copyrighted. In that case one may have to have permission from the USPS to use the image.
Jerry B
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dorincard
Member
Posts: 1,450
What I collect: My focus is on Wild Mammals on maximum cards. Occasionally, I get or create maximum cards with other animals, or any other topic.
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Post by dorincard on Sept 23, 2021 11:48:34 GMT
Only the USPS stamps issued after 1/1/1978 are copyrighted. Hi I thought that the USPS images are copyrighted. In that case one may have to have permission from the USPS to use the image. Jerry B |
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Jerry B
Departed
Rest in Peace
Marietta, Georgia USA
Posts: 1,485
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Post by Jerry B on Sept 23, 2021 12:44:41 GMT
Hi
I am not a US collector so I did not know. Thanks for the info dorincard.
Jerry B
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dorincard
Member
Posts: 1,450
What I collect: My focus is on Wild Mammals on maximum cards. Occasionally, I get or create maximum cards with other animals, or any other topic.
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Post by dorincard on Sept 24, 2021 23:17:57 GMT
How do stamp catalog publishers use commercially the images of USPS stamps, even those issued in or after 1978?
Do they pay a fee to USPS?
Who else is allowed to use commercially the post-1977 images of USPS postage stamps?
Did they get written permission? Do they qualify for any exception, or do they use a legal workaround?
USPS and Zazzle still didn't provide me a nuanced answer.
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Post by michael on Sept 25, 2021 8:00:48 GMT
The United States Postal Service® owns the rights to numerous stamp images, logos and more. We look to find the best manufacturers and companies to team up with for licensing, keeping these factors in mind:
Goals align with those of our licensing program.
Ability to place our Postal Service brand into new markets, categories and retailers.
Image and personality match and/or enhance that of USPS®.
History of good business practices and other licensed partnerships.
Ability to work within commercial market retail channels to distribute products.
Detailed business plan for production and marketing of products.
Every purchase of officially licensed products directly supports the United States Postal Service.
Commercial licensing is the use of USPS intellectual property in the commercial marketplace. Licensed products run the gamut from accessories to pet products, including things like:
Games and toys
Sporting goods
Apparel
Stationery & paper goods
If you’re interested in becoming a licensee for the Postal Service corporate licensing program, please fill out the form here. Once completed, send the form to:
United States Postal Service
Corporate Licensing
475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Room 5500
Washington, DC 20260
You’ll be notified by email once your completed application has been received. All applications are reviewed to confirm that applicants fulfill all USPS needs and requirements.
Please note: The United States Postal Service in its sole discretion may decide to license or deny use of its trademarks and images for any reason or application.
If you're already a USPS licensee visit Brandvault for the latest style guides, assets and more. Click here to access.
If you have additional questions or comments, please e-mail USPS Licensing Senior Specialist Ellen Espinoza-Hale at Ellen.M.Espinoza-Hale@usps.gov.
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dorincard
Member
Posts: 1,450
What I collect: My focus is on Wild Mammals on maximum cards. Occasionally, I get or create maximum cards with other animals, or any other topic.
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Post by dorincard on Sept 25, 2021 14:40:37 GMT
Thank you, Michael!
I'm waiting for Ellen to give me a nuanced answer.
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dorincard
Member
Posts: 1,450
What I collect: My focus is on Wild Mammals on maximum cards. Occasionally, I get or create maximum cards with other animals, or any other topic.
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Post by dorincard on Sept 26, 2021 1:11:30 GMT
 Let's look at the above image of maxicards, with USPS stamps before and after 1978. Neither the stamps, nor the postcards are in their original, pristine image form. Couldn't they be considered "collectible artifacts, from a philatelist's collection"? That's exactly what they truly are. Is there any copyright violation (stamp, postcard, postmark) if I post this group image right here, a philatelic website? If not, could I post it, as such, on any website, including photosharing like Getty Images, etc.? Does it matter if I do it, in the above configuration, for commercial purpose or not? |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,346
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Sept 26, 2021 10:12:12 GMT
Many have been posting images on forums for years. Unless you are depriving the copyright holder of revenue (almost never) then you will not get any complaints.
USPS legal mumbo jumbo
2.0 COPYRIGHTS
Copyrighted Material
2.1
The USPS secures copyrights in its philatelic designs and certain publications. The
designs of postage stamps, stamped envelopes, stamped cards, aerogrammes,
souvenir cards, and other philatelic items issued on or after January 1, 1978, are
copyrighted by the USPS under title 17 USC.
Permitted Use
2.2
The use of illustrations of the designs covered by such copyrights is permitted:
a. In editorial matter in newspapers, magazines, journals, books, philatelic
catalogs, and philatelic albums.
b. In advertising matter, circulars, or price lists for the sale of the postal items
illustrated.
c. In advertising matter, circulars, or price lists for the sale of newspapers,
magazines, journals, books, philatelic catalogs, and philatelic albums
containing illustrations of philatelic designs.
d. In motion-picture films, microfilms, slides, or electronic tape for projection on a
screen or for use in telecasting. No print or other reproduction from such
films, slides, or tapes may be made except for the uses permitted in this
section.
Design Reproduction
2.3
Illustrations permitted by 2.2a through 2.2c may be in color or in black and white,
and may depict philatelic items as uncanceled or canceled. When depicting
uncanceled items in color, illustrations must be less than 75% or more than 150%
in linear dimension of the size of the design of the philatelic items as issued. Color
illustrations of canceled philatelic items and black and white illustrations of
uncanceled or canceled philatelic items may be in any size.
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