Compuserve who own the code for the GIF formatopenly allow the use of GIF wherever you need to, what they often object to is software developers using the source code within their products without seeking their permission. I don't know the legal ramification of why Compuserve do that but I know you can use GIF for animations and pictures without worry of breaking some laws.
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maiden is filmed before a live studio audience,
Sat 12 Dec 2009, 8:44,
archived)