Copyright Laws

Has anyone had any problems with copyright laws when selling anything on ebay?

Which ebay are you selling on, and what are you having copyright problems with (ie. a picture / scan of a stamp? Text? Catalogue numbers?)

GS

Some sellers have copywrited some images, but if it's out of your collection it should not be an issue.

an image of a stamp is not protected by copyright as it is similar to a public document

Stamp images of US stamps issued since about 1978 are no longer considered public domain. USPS has copyrighted the images. In some cases, it is a co-copyright.

You can petition USPS for rights to reproduce a stamp image. Last time I checked (a few years back), the administrative fee for filing the form was $25.

However, there are certain usages USPS classifies as "fair use". In general, no prior permission nor application is required for educational (noncommercial), news reporting, and philatelic advertising. This is in addition to the normal "fair use" clause in US copyright laws. This is not an unlimited waiver, and USPS suggests emailing them if you are uncertain. But basically, as long as you are not selling the stamp images/reproductions (e.g., stamps images on posters, shirt, mugs...), it will not really be a problem with USPS. Especially with their operating deficit, they've got other more serious problems to deal with.

Separately, there are Treasury Department rules regarding reproducing stamp images. These restrictions involve how close in size the stamp image is in relation to the actual stamp size. But don't worry, the Feds won't be busting down your door. These rules are to fight counterfeiting.

If the feds start busting ebay sellers you'll at least have a lot fellow hobbyists to share the cell block with. You can have daily stamp club meeting in between the beatings from the guards!

The reason they probably did this was because they began merchandising their stamp designs in this manner and were protecting themselves from copycats who might try to use them in the same way.