This site might help: http://webdesign.about.com/od/copyright/a/aa081700a.htm
Yes. Editing an existing image (no matter how much/little) does not void the original creators copyright and without permission is still considered infringement.
No, because there's nothing to steal. Using an image without permission or an exemption in the law is copyright infringement.
Copying, altering, distributing, or performing/displaying the file without permission from the copyright holder or an exemption in the law would be considered infringement.
Nothing about it is "legal." Copyright infringement is illegal.
To avoid copyright infringement, you must change an image enough so that it is considered a new and original work, rather than a direct copy of the original image. This typically involves making significant alterations to the image, such as adding new elements, changing the color scheme, or modifying the composition.
If someone is no stranger to allegations of copyright infringement, it means he gets accused of copyright infringement a lot.
Copyright protection is automatic, and notification is not required. Virtually any image you encounter is protected by copyright unless specifically noted otherwise.
To alter an image to avoid copyright infringement, you can use techniques such as cropping, resizing, adding filters, or combining multiple images to create a new and original work. It's important to ensure that the final image is significantly different from the original to avoid any potential legal issues.
It is possible that Charter has sent you a notice of copyright infringement.
I have not received a Spectrum copyright infringement notice.
Copyright infringement is primarily a civil offense however there are options to prosecute criminally in the case of "willful and deliberate" acts of infringement. Ignorance of the existence of copyright is not a viable defense to infringement. If an author is convicted of copyright infringement the publisher can be held liable for contributory infringement if it can be shown that they had knowledge of the infringement prior to publication. If, by a preponderance of the evidence, infringement can be shown then yes a damages award to the copyright holder can be granted.
You should report copyright infringement to the website or platform where the infringement is taking place, or to the copyright owner directly. You can also report it to the U.S. Copyright Office or seek legal advice for further action.