I am not sure if this is the right thread to post my message to. If it doesn't belong here, I ask moderators to move it to the more appropriate section. Thanks.

I just wanted to invite any interested designers to take part in the contests at http://www.DesignContest.net here are direct links to some of them:

$75 Logo Design - AIMReign.com Logo
IconFun - $100 Layout
$150 - AIMPalace.com: Huge AIM site
$50 TodaysPoker.com Banner Graphics
$175 - Game Clown Layout+Logo

These contests are guaranteed which means that the administration of our project holds the money for the winner and if you win the contest you will receive your prize 100% There are many other contests on DC and you can have a look at them for yourself.

How do submitting designers stand in relation to copyright laws? Does the contest-holding company keep the copyright for all submitted efforts, or do the designers themself retain copyright until such time as they are paid for their efforts?

the contest holder gets only the design he pays for - the winning one.