The creator of the image, unless other arrangements were made.
In UK there is a copyright law called "First players copyright" this essentially says if you created a unique piece of work (Picture, photo, book etc) then you own the copyright and you dont have to apply for that.
No. It is illegal to use someone's images from Photobucket or from anywhere (either digital or not) without written permission from whoever owns the copyright to that image. It is usually, but not always, the photographer who took the image that retains the copyright.
To copyright an image, you can simply create it and it is automatically protected under copyright law. However, to have legal proof of ownership, you can register the image with the U.S. Copyright Office by submitting an application and a copy of the image.
Owning an image or the copyright to an image are the same thing. When you hold the copyright to an image it is yours to do with whatever you will, and you can decide who has permission to use it or not. There is no difference.
Nobody owns the copyright of a single word. Perhaps you mean trademark.
the coca cola company owns the copyright
Yes, altering an image does not automatically remove its copyright. The original creator still holds the copyright to the altered image.
Copyright is automatic, so it will be the date the image was created.
A minor owns the copyright on any works they create.
The photographer was Laura S.L. Kong, and the image can be licensed through Getty at the link below.
Universal.
If you wish to reuse a copyright-protected image, you need permission from the copyright holder or an exemption in the law.
Word Music.