Is is legal to use a graphic logo that I found online?

[Jayden]

My jurisdiction is: New York (USA)

Is it legal to use a graphic image (logo) that I found online for a non-profit organization that I'm starting at my university? I have no idea where the image came from, I saved it onto my computer about a year ago. Please let me know. Thanks.

This is the image: img354.imageshack.us/img354/3126/ryodlt6.png

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I have no idea. You should probably assume that any image you found online is owned by someone unless there is explicit verbiage that says otherwise or that you have unequivocal rights to use the image. Perhaps you're better off just getting some free stock images or buy one for $5 that makes you happy. At worst, there must be some graphic arts student willing to do you a small favor and whip you up something similar...

 

[alebrooke]

I wouldn't use it. I do a lot of graphic design and photography, and all the work that i send out is copyrighted to me. So in the future it can cause a problem, as the previous person suggested, it's better to get one made or get a free stock logo.

 

[army judge]

The website that you visited allows you to use their images for free.
See the admonishment/notice form the website itself.
They supply stock images.
But the site is also full of porn.
Make sure you have a good virus program if you visit them.

Welcome to ImageShack.
No registration required. Free to use and enjoy.

Webiste: http://img354.imageshack.us/

 

[albright]

imageshack images are uploaded by anonymous users. Although their license says all images on the site are available for use, they don't do anything to verify that uploaded files are actually have those permissions. Someone could take the Nike logo and upload it to imageshack, obviously that would not make it open for everyone to use commercially. imageshack wouldn't come after you but Nike certainly would. true stock photo websites actually require human approval and (if necessary) signed agreements to any images so you know they are okay to use once purchased.

Also note that the image you posted is very low resolution (low quality) and would not print well on any medium at any reasonable size. your best bet would be a website where you can post freelance design job offers. this should be a fairly cheap and easy job if you aren't picky.

 

[PellMell]

Whoever created the logo is the owner of the copyright. If the copyright owner objects to your use of the logo, you are infringing the copyright. It does not matter that you are a non-profit organization.

I think I found the site where you got the logo, but I'm new and cannot post links. It's on the sodahead.com forum. (It is also possible that they got it from the same place you did.)