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Everybody has probably exported a picture from Google Earth and composited their rendering into it. We did it all the time in university and every architect probably uses Google Earth or Google Maps internally. Google Earth even includes an export function for images up to 4k resolution. But is it actually legal to use Google Earth images commercially (for Archviz)? I've been googling all day and could not find a clear answer. Google Permissions page states that we may use GE Images as long as we attribute Google and the image owners and don't alter the images substantially. But I think Googles TOS states that images may not be used commercially. However, I also could not find any option to purchase a license to use GE images, and since Google Earth Pro is free, those license don't seem to exist anymore. The more I research, the less I understand, to be honest, so... Could I use an image from google earth, comp my rendering into it and then sell that image to a client? If not, how is everyone doing aerial shots? I guess drones exist now, but that is still a lot more work than simply zooming over to a site in Google Earth... I would love to get some input, sources or discussion on this topic, especially since I could not find anything relating to Google Earth + licensing + archviz in particular.

Hi all, We have a client that's threatening legal action because we're refusing to hand over our 3d models to them. Despite my explanation of how copyright law works (here in the UK) she insists that because we worked from their CAD files they own the copyright to all imagery and models we produce. This is clearly not true, and I've steadfastly refused to hand them over in order to protect the interests of ourselves and everyone in this industry. Has anybody else had situations like this? Would be comforting to know we're not the only ones!

Hello CG World, I am in the process of starting my first business, and would appreciate some feedback on the legal aspect of things. In a nutshell, the business will provide digital documentation (images/drawings) of existing spaces (mostly rental properties) to be used in the marketing and advertising of said space. A couple things I need to consider: 1) Requiring written credit (to me) with all usages of the image 2) Fee - flat rate per image, or royalty/usage based fee? (I'm guessing flat rate) 3) Copyright Release or Usage Agreement? (Artist License Agreement?) 4) Examples or templates of contracts that I can modify for my use Any other thoughts on this would be well appreciated. Thanks!

A client has requested I use a specific artists painting in a CGI. I'm not sure how or if this would be infringing the artists copyright? I wondered if anyone else had pondered this issue? Thanks in advance.

Hello All, I have a legal question.Who owns the rights to the 3d model when a freelancer has created it outside of the company who created the image?Any ideas? I have been at this for years and have quite a library of 3d models that I created myself for other companies. The architects have the rights for the dwgs and the companies have the rights for the final image but where does that leave the modeller,does the paying company own sole rights to the model or is it a shared copyright between Architect/Image house and Modeller???Does the Modeller have any entitlement Is it necessary to contact original architects for permission to use the model ?What happens if the company no longer exists or you dont know who they are?(Title Blocks removed) Out of professional courtesy I feel contact should be made with all parties involved but its the actual legality I'm wondering about? Any one have any idea of legality's of Rendering these models and putting the images up on the web? Any lawyers/render heads out there? I'm going to try and contact the relevant authorities to find out for sure, but maybe some members have come across this.I'll post back if I get any info. All thoughts appreciated.