1. Timmy should not use the images. The law grants copyright immediately to creators of any tangible work, whether the author states it or not. Even anonymous works are granted copyright. Crediting the author of a copied work does not satisfy copyright requirements. Timmy should be safe and seek permission. If he does not hear back from the creator, he should not use it.
2. Just because the work came from government website does not mean it is part of the public domain. Work created by employees of the federal government as a part of their job is in the public domain. Works in the public domain do not have copyright protection. Other intellectual property may appear on a government website that the government does not own. It would be good practice for Susie to credit her sources, even for government materials or those a part of the public domain.
3. Since the website will likely be public, Timmy's family should pay for the image especially since the images are being used in association with a private business. After payment, his aunt will need to read the usage rights and restrictions that come with the purchase to ensure that she is using the images correctly.
2. Just because the work came from government website does not mean it is part of the public domain. Work created by employees of the federal government as a part of their job is in the public domain. Works in the public domain do not have copyright protection. Other intellectual property may appear on a government website that the government does not own. It would be good practice for Susie to credit her sources, even for government materials or those a part of the public domain.
3. Since the website will likely be public, Timmy's family should pay for the image especially since the images are being used in association with a private business. After payment, his aunt will need to read the usage rights and restrictions that come with the purchase to ensure that she is using the images correctly.