Can I use copyrighted images for a sample of my product?

I designed a box for commercial music CD's and I want to make a sample of it so I can sell it. Can I use the cover of a known band for that? What if I use a watermark that says SAMPLE

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So long as you're not selling their copyrighted material, I'd suspect that any production company would be more than happy to give you permission to use the cover art from one of it's artists. After all, you'd be providing them with free publicity...wait a minute, if you contact them and tell them how large of circulation you expect that image to achieve, you may even be able to get them to pay for the printing!!! USA, USA, USA...got to love that capitalistic society and the free enterprise system!

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You'll run afoul of the copyright owner for the image on the cover. Your best bet is to create your own, or even just use a blank. It's not the cover that's going to sell your box.

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Answer:
Just get permission from the copyright holder. Or draw your own CD cover.

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Use of a copyrighted images for commercial purposes without permission of the copyright holder is a violation of the copyright. What you describe is a commercial purpose. The 'Sample' watermark won't help your case at all.

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