Expert: Tricia Scott-Sahler - 11/20/2009

Question
I have found some free downloads from Nature and National Geographic for posters. I wonder do you know if it is legal to have those printed by a pro. I do not have access to a color printer and would hate to ask a print shop only to be told "sorry can do that".

Answer
If they are free downloads, there should be some kind of terms and conditions with it or somewhere on the site that says, use however you like?  I am also guessing that if it's a free download it is low rez - only good enough for your computer (72 dpi) which would prevent you from printing it.  Most printers will ask you if it's yours, and will indeed tell you they can't print it if it looks like something that is copyright protected.