Publishing pictures

> Could someone please inform of the implications of publishing pictures
> of items which may included trademarked or copyright material.
> Specifically, can I publish a picture of a billboard which includes an
> advertisement from say Coke or the Atlanta Olympic committee. Such
> billboards are clearly displayed in public. Or what are the implications
> of publishing a picture of the the city of Atlanta which includes an
> Olympic billboard or some other copyrighted display or logo. Must I
> obtain permission even though the object being photographed is publicly
> displayed?

The answer is a definite maybe. I suggest that you consult with counsel. For example, we have a lovely statue here in Portland in front of city hall, called "Portlandia". The artist objected to unauthorized sales of postcards showing a photograph of the statue.  

---
Micah Stolowitz
Marger Johnson McCollom & Stolowitz, P.C.	
Patent, Trademark and Copyright Attorneys				
650 American Bank Building, Suite 650					
Portland, Oregon  97205				
 	 

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