Item Usage

Select a question to begin:

How can I use the files that I have downloaded?

You may use the files you download on websites, multimedia projects, PowerPoint, internal systems and just about any other project, except in products for resale.

What do I do if I believe I am the victim of copyright infringement?

If you believe you are a victim of copyright infringement on CodeGrape, please inform us immediately. We will need a link to your work, and the file that you believe is infringing on your copyright. CodeGrape will investigate, and take appropriate action if necessary.

What is Copyright?

You can find a full definition of copyright on the U.S. Copyright office website and how it relates to international copyright relations. Here is a short description:

Copyright is a legal concept that gives the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it. The copyright holder has the right to choose if anyone else can use, adapt or resell their work and have the right to be credited for that work.

Only the copyright holder of a work may do the following:

  • Make copies of the work and distribute them
  • Create derivative works or alter the work in any way
  • Sell the work in either it's original version or in an altered form

The creator of a work retains copyright to it even if they don't expressly tell you so. The only way you can get copyright to do the above is if the original copyright holder gives you permission to do so in writing.

The penalties for breaching copyright can be severe. We take copyright violations very seriously and will not tolerate copyright violation on this website.

What is a Copyright Infringement?

A copyright infringement or violation is the unauthorized use of work that is covered by copyright. If you use, alter or sell someone else's work you are violating their copyright and are breaking the law. Here are some requirements to comply with copyright violations:

The file must NOT include any brand names, logos or trademarks. For example: You cannot use an Apple or McDonalds logo, even if you have recreated it, photographed it, or altered it. You cannot use a photo of a watch if the brand name of the watch is legible.

The file must NOT include patented and trademarked product designs such as music players, computers, cars, toys and so on. For example: You cannot use an iPod, iPhone or Ferrari in your file, even if you have recreated it, photographed it, or altered it.

The file must NOT include photographs or replications of artworks such as paintings, sculptures and some architectural buildings. For example: You cannot use the Mona Lisa in a template design. You cannot use a photo or replication of the Sydney Opera House or Eiffel Tour, both of which are copyrighted monuments.

The file must NOT be based on any other file. For example: You cannot submit a website template that is similar to an established website. You cannot submit a file which is similar to a file for sale on another website.

The file must NOT be based on a tutorial. For example: You cannot submit a file that you created by following a tutorial, in whole or in part.

You must NOT upload files that have been decompiled from another file. For example: You cannot decompile a file and resell it, even if you alter it significantly.

You must NOT upload a file that uses free or purchased components from any other source. For example: You cannot download a file then use part or all of it in a file for sale.

You must NOT upload a file that uses government or military property. For example: You cannot submit a file that contains a presidential seal or military insignia.

You must NOT purchase or download any file then resell it. For example: You cannot submit a file that you have purchased or downloaded from another site.

You must not purchase or download any file, alter it, then resell it. For example: You cannot submit a file that you have purchased or downloaded from another site.

You must NOT upload a file that includes a recognizable human face unless you include a model release. For example: You cannot submit a video of a strangers face unless you have a model release signed by them. You cannot submit a flash file that includes a photo of the back of your own head, unless you sign a model release. Every model release must be included with any image of a person uploaded or the file will not be approved.

What photographs can I use in my files?

Only certain types of photographs can be used in a file. These photos are:

  • Photographs taken by the author
  • Photographs purchased which the appropriate license for resale
  • Photographs distributed for free to use everywhere
  • Photographs downloaded from the CodeGrape Asset Library

Only these photographs are allowed to be resold in files.

If you are using a photograph you have taken of a person then you must provide a signed model release.

If you are using a photograph you have taken of a private location then you may need to provide a signed location release.

Please note: You may use photographs purchased under a regular usage license in your preview files - but it must not be included in the downloadable file for purchase.

Do I need a Model Release?

If you have taken a photograph or video of a human face that you are using in a file, then you will need to provide a signed model release from that person.

You must provide a signed model release even if the photograph or video is of yourself, a child, or only part of a face. If a person is in any way recognizable in one of your files, then you must provide a signed model release.

Do I need a Location Release?

If you have taken a photograph or video of a private property or location that you are using in a file, then you may need to provide a signed model release from the owner.

If you are using the interior of someone's home, private offices or another private space then you must upload a signed location release with your file.

What videos can I use in the Items I sell?

Only certain types of videos can be used in a file. These videos are:

  • Videos taken by the author
  • Videos purchased which the appropriate license for resale
  • Videos distributed for free to use everywhere
  • Videos downloaded from the CodeGrape Asset Library

Only these videos are allowed to be resold in files.

If you are using a video you have taken of a person then you must provide a signed model release.

If you are using a video you have taken of a private location then you may need to provide a signed location release.

Please note: You may use videos purchased under a regular usage license in your preview files - but it must not be included in the downloadable file for purchase.

What audio loops or effects can I use in my Items?

Only certain types of audio loops and effects can be used in a Item. These files are:

  • Audio recorded or created by the author
  • Audio purchased which the appropriate license for resale
  • Audio distributed for free to use everywhere
  • Audio downloaded from the CodeGrape Asset Library

Only these audio loops and effects are allowed to be resold in files.

Can I use open-source files in my file for sale?

If the author/s have given express written permission in their documentation that their open-source files are allowed to be used for resale, then you can use them in your files. However, you will need to credit the author/s in your file description.

It needs to be transparent to approvers and buyers where your open-source elements came from. Whatever you do with an open-source file must follow their terms of use.

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