"dave" <da*****@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:vz******************@newsread3.news.atl.earth link.net...
| I want to include numerous screen prints about printing, date time
settings,
| regional settings in the help files I will distribute with my
application.
| Must I obtain written permission from Microsoft or alter these screen
shots
| to avoid getting into legal trouble ? Thank you.
|
Go to this link at microsoft for specifc information:
http://www.microsoft.com/permission/copyrgt/cop-img.htm
Here is a quote regarding screenshots:
"Microsoft does not object to third party use of screen shots of our
software products in advertising, on product packaging and
documentation, in books and other printed matter, on video tape, in
tutorial software applications, on World Wide Web pages, or in
television programs, commercials, movies ("Your Product"), so long as
the use is not disparaging and provided you adhere to the following
additional guidelines which may be amended from time to time. If your
use falls within these guidelines, no further written permission will be
required and will not be forthcoming. If you need assistance
interpreting these guidelines, please seek the advice of your own
copyright attorney. "
Followed by numerous specific guidelines, including "1. You may not
disparage Microsoft or any of its products in your use of Microsoft
product screen shots."
I would not recommend altering a screenshot in any way; that is far more
likely to cross the line than using them as is.