Flickr is now owned by Yahoo!. I recently sent this email to Yahoo!’s copyright officer. I’ll post the response if and when I get it…
Hello,
I would like to know if it is legal to use images found on Flickr as reference material in creating fine art. If so, does the finished artwork have to be different in appearance to a certain degree in order to not infringe on the photographers’ rights?Also, is it legal to use Yahoo news photos (which I understand come through the major news wires).
Thanks for clarifying,
Dan Allegrucci