Fair Use Law for Images on Blogs

Hello,

I've been reading quite a bit on the fair use law. Particularly in regards to using images in blogs. Despite reading everything under the sun I still have questions that are not answered. I understand that the fair use law is a very gray area and it's impossible to get a definitive answer, but I'm hoping you guys can give me your opinion.

Our blog is located here. Our content comes in a variety of forms including reviews, opinions, news updates, and more.

So here are a few of the questions I have...

1. Using official covers for book and comic book reviews generally fall under fair use? At least that's what I gathered from reading various articles.

2. What about user created images for our reviews? Lets say I'm doing a review for an Avengers comic. I've found an Avengers image on google (most likely made by a fan, with the artist being unknown) and I would rather us it instead of the actual comic cover? Would it be considered a parody since the artist didn't come up with the Avengers, thus making it fair use?

3. Let's say I'm doing a review for my top 5 gaming memories. Would I be able use images related to each game? To add visuals to my post?

4. Is it okay to take your own screenshots of a video game and add it to a post?

5. In regards to TV and Movie reviews? Is it okay to use still shots from the shows itself? And again, what about a user created image?

Any and all help is appreciated.

1) Yes

2) it would be possibly a parody by the artist of the image, it would be copyright infringement of the artists work for you to simply appropriate it.

3) what do you mean "images related to each game"

4) yes

5) yes on still shots, see #2 on the fan art, unless you have the artists permission

Quote:

---

Quoting Lehk

---

3) what do you mean "images related to each game"

---

Thank you for the reply.

Lets say I'm doing my favorite memory from a game. A screenshot may not be appropriate here. Would it be okay to use something else from the creator of this game? Ie-an official wallpaper for the game.

And would the same apply for a review as well? Instead of including a screenshot could I instead use a wallpaper from the games official site?