IP Questions for the Lindens

IP questions brought up by bringing SL images out of the game and into FL are staggering. So, I'd like to start with a few basic questions that will at least tell those of us who would like to do so a starting point for understand what is and isn't okay. And it seems that the first, most basic, question - do our hosts give us permission to show images of those things in game which they have built?

For instance:
-If I film a machicinema piece set at the Governor's Mansion, is that permissible or do I need a specific release from LL to show the images of the mansion?

-If I do a "Girls of SL" Calendar for sale in real life (all the AVs my own creation, clothed in my own texture) and use Linden-owned-and-created landscapes (no build, so in some ways, the "nature" of the game), is this a violation of Linden copyrights?

-If I use Linden-produced and supplied textures on objects or AVs, is this within the "license" I have to use them to create in the same way I can use them in game?

A very confused Syd

In the case of the Governor's Mansion, I believe that the majority of the structure was created by another still-current resident - who may or may not have retained her own rights to the unique design. Normally architects and builders retain no special rights to individually commissioned or sold buildings, but this is something totally new.

Someone recently put a picture of my avatar into a screensaver without consulting me. I find it poses an interesting question... Do we need to get permission before taking pictures of "content" in SL and posting them outside SL? The photo was taken in a public place (i.e. the person didn't fly their camera inside a closed structure to get it), but on the other hand I think it's nice to ask permission for this sort of thing.

I have a gallery of SL avatars, and with the exception of a few very old shots where I don't recall the names, I have permission from everyone involved.

I think it would be best to ask whether you are allowed to distribute or display pictures you have taken of real life places.

Most buildings ARE copyright architecturally, in real life.

However, you don't see CNN getting sued for reporting with them in the background.

So I would have to guess that anything you display to the public, people might take pictures of, that would be Fair Use.

They may not copy your building, but images of it and factual information sounds like fair use.

And the DMCA does not apply - its for protecting copyright stuff which is protected by an anti-theft type system, it has no application in this sense.