An example of what 'we' do in order to ascertain what's what in the world of graphic use....

A WMP skin was recently uploaded [and approved] here, using graphics extracted from a gif, and subsequently re-animated via the proggy itself. Was it a 'rip'?
Unfortunately, yes....even ignoring the issues that the 'gif' format is a proprietary format, ostensibly requiring royalty payment, the gif itself 'may' have been free for use and distribution, but looking more closely into the site concerned you read the word 'unmodified' and bang, yer stuck.
The work therefore was not a permissable upload and was withdrawn.

Here's the relevant 'clause' from the originating site...


DISTRIBUTION
You are hereby licensed to make as many copies of this software as you wish; give exact copies of the original version to anyone; and distribute the software in its unmodified form via electronic and physical means (diskettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc). There is no charge for any of the above. You are specifically prohibited from charging, or requesting donations, for any such copies, however made.