Tarot images for websites

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 23 Jun 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Sulis	23 Jun 2005
Hi Folks, I know that this has been asked before - I have searched through old threads and come up with a bit of information but not exactly what I need to know. I'm in the process of builiding a website where I'm going to offer readings (yes another ATF member with their own site :)) I'm using some software called SiteMaker 4 - it's very easy; no HTML codes or anything else to confuse a technophobe like me :) I would like to use some images of the cards that I personally use to decorate the site - just a few from each deck but I'm worried about copyright. Where do I stand, does anyone know? I've read the blurb on the RWS copyright in Sacred Texts but I'm still a bit confused as to what I can use / can't use. The decks I'd like to scan a few cards from are: RWS (Rider edition) - Prior to U S Games copyright - my cards have no U S Games mark on them. Morgan Greer (again I could use Morgan Press and not U S Games) World Spirit. Maybe a few cards from the Stone Tarot because they are so beautiful - for this I will e-mail Allison Stone and ask permission. edited to add: DruidCraft - how could I forget about that one? Hopefully someone on ATF can help me :) Love Sulis xx

jumptothemoonyea	23 Jun 2005
Hello Sulis, A couple of years ago, I contacted U.S. Games asking for permission to use images of some of their published decks to use in my computer tarot program. The response explained me that there are 3 types of permissions for using their tarot images: 1. for illustrative purposes (on web site and such) 2. for education purposes (on web or otherwise) 3. in interactive computer programs And they do allow to use their published images for 1 and 2, for illustration and education, but not for 3 - interactive computer programs. Since then the rules might changed, but not significantly. Here is the link to U.S. Games Image Reproduction & Usage and Permission Request Guidelines: http://www.usgamesinc.com/newstore/pages.php?page=forms.html Hope this helps :)

Astra	23 Jun 2005
Sulis, copyright is now 75 years. Even if your decks are from before the time US Games started publishing them, they bought the copyright from the original printer, so they're under copyright with USG. Sigh. Still, if you really want to use them, check - in most cases I don't think they are too worried. If you'd like, I have Anne Murkett's email (the Anniken sites), and she may be able to give you some fast, substantial information on how to deal with USG. PM me if you're interested.

Fulgour	23 Jun 2005
:) Maybe put a tiny 6 point ©1971 USGames bottom of back page. Or not.

The Tarot images for websites thread was originally posted on 23 Jun 2005 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.