The logo on my site was created off of this image

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6810609-0-large.jpg

Is it legal to use this image on my site and to put it on merchandise? Did I edit it enough?

The best advice would be to contact the creator and ask for permission.
Otherwise, you're better off finding an image from a stock photo site.

It's highly possible that the creator will never know, but it's not good to
take chances, especially if you plan to profit from it.

thanks for the info, Lance. I hadn't thought of a stock photo site before. I'll check that out.

its good to ask for permission, but there's also nothing wrong with using references and taking ideas as long you change it into your own style that people can distinguish the differences.

That's sorta what I was wondering: If i changed the image enough to not get in any legal trouble/to be recognizably different.

Whats so difficult about asking for permission?