Hi lottomasta~
First, I want to address a common copyright misconception. You ask:
"Since the check belongs to me, can I simply add it to my website?"
Just as someone who buys a book doesn't have the legal right to
reprint it (even though they "own" the book), possession of the check
in and of itself does not allow you claim copyright on it.
That said, the question you really need to ask is whether or not a
check is covered by copyright law. According to the U.S. Copyright
Office website, "copyrightable works include the following categories:
literary works;
musical works, including any accompanying words
dramatic works, including any accompanying music
pantomimes and choreographic works
pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
motion pictures and other audiovisual works
sound recordings
architectural works
These categories should be viewed broadly. For example, computer
programs and most 'compilations' may be registered as 'literary
works'; maps and architectural plans may be registered as 'pictorial,
graphic, and sculptural works.'" ("What Works Are Protected?" U.S.
Copyright Office: http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html#wwp )
In addition, the website states that the following are *not* copyrightable:
"Works that have not been fixed in a tangible form of expression (for
example, choreographic works that have not been notated or
recorded...)
Titles, names, short phrases, and slogans; familiar symbols or
designs; mere variations of typographic ornamentation, lettering, or
coloring; mere listings of ingredients or contents
Ideas, procedures, methods, systems, processes, concepts, principles,
discoveries, or devices, as distinguished from a description,
explanation, or illustration
Works consisting entirely of information that is common property and
containing no original authorship (for example: standard calendars,
height and weight charts, tape measures and rulers, and lists or
tables taken from public documents or other common sources)" ("What Is
Not Protected by Copyright?" U.S. Copyright Office:
http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html#wnp )
A typical check is a "familiar design" with "mere variations of
typographic ornamentation [and] lettering." It is also something that
is "common property...containing no original authorship." So, unless
the check has some distinguishing features (like a logo design, which
would definitely be covered by copyright), you are not restricted by
copyright law to reproduce it in an otherwise legal manner.
As for the letter, whoever authored it, or whatever agency paid to
have the letter written, owns the copyright to it. You would need to
obtain written permission to reproduce the letter.
Kind regards,
Kriswrite
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