Expert: - 5/28/2011

Question
Hi Jane,

My son has become very good at drawing pencil portrait sketches from photos.  He has been asked to sell some of them.  Is that a copyright violation if he sells them?  It's anything from the Beatles, movie stars, etc.

Thank you very much for your time,
David

Answer
Hi David,

I am not an attorney and you may want to consult with one in order to get a legal opinion on this depending on what exactly he is creating and the method in which he is creating the work.

Is he is drawing freehand or is he is tracing? There is a big difference. Also if he is selling the work as anything other than his personal creation there could potentially be an issue.

To read more about copyrights check this site: http://www.copyright.gov/ and for other information on IP law you can search http://uspto.gov

I hope this helps, I'm sorry I can't give you a legal opinion.

Love & Success!

Jane Button

Jane Button
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