Ask HN: Does Startupquote.com infringe copyright?

On the quotes: If the quotes have not been published by those who spoke them (the author), then they are not copyrighted. In fact, Startupquotes.com could claim copyright ownership of the quotes (and the photos if they took them) as they are the originating author, even if they are quoting someone else. A book of quotes is copyrightable.

On the photos: Yes and no. Using a private person's face for commercial gain without their permission might be problematic. The "public figure" statement doesn't apply here, as that is only relevant in libel / slander cases. If you remember, Obama was able to take down an ad in Times Square that used his photo / image without his permission. And he's definitely a public figure.Of course, if you are using someone else's photo without permission, then you are violating the photographer's copyright on the photo.

Here's the rules on whether or not you need permission to use someone's photo (image):

    Photographing People in Public
    Q: Can I photograph people in public places without their permission?

    A: Absolutely. People get really muddled about this issue, but the reality is that you have a virtually unrestricted right to use a camera in public. One big caveat: It’s common courtesy to get verbal permission. Nonetheless, people don’t have the right to bar you from photographing them in public, where they would not ordinarily have an expectation of privacy.

    Q: Can I publish pictures of people I’ve photographed without permission?

    A: That depends upon the purpose of the picture. If it’s artistic or editorial in nature, or can be characterized as to inform or educate, then you do not need your subject’s explicit permission.

    If the picture or any associated text may be libelous, defamatory, or fall outside of what courts have described as "the normal sensibilities" of the target audience, then you may need permission from the subject for your own protection. You also need permission from the subject if the picture is used for commercial purposes, such as in an advertisement.

IANAL, but I sure can pretend pretty well.

The quotes are really nothing to do with copyright.

Quotes are like reporting -- they (the people) can't copyright something just because they said it. I can quote what you say, you can quote me -- there's nothing there actionable. (People do sometimes trademark quotes, but those are for limited use scope -- must definite usage -- and again, trademark, not copyright, so can still quote them).

Was the quote from a magazine article? Well then yes, the magazine has the copyright to the ARTICLE, but a quote from it would (I think most lawyers feel) be perfectly fair use.,

In no way on that site do I see an actionable copyright claim on the people being quoted (standard I'm not a lawyer though clause here)

The copyright of the photo belongs to the photographer — so that's the only real issue I can see (although there are plenty of creative commons photos out there). On the other hand if they attempted to sell t-shirts or posters there could be issues. (and I'll add to this that I'm not a lawyer)

Public figure exception.