How to Know if an Image is Copyrighted?

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Is finding an image to use as simple as browsing the internet, right-clicking on the one you prefer, selecting the save image option, saving the photo, and using it as you deem fit? As natural as it sounds and as often as we do it, that’s not the right approach. After all, there is the copyright law that governs these procedures.

It is quite simple, yet failure to adhere to it can land you in trouble. That’s why this piece sheds light on the matter. From sights to tools to benefits, here is how to know if an image is subject to copyright and much more;

It is a legal protection that declares a certain individual owns a particular intellectual or artistic work regardless of whether it is published or unpublished. Consequently, you will be considered having violated the law if you do any of the following with the work;

  • Distributing its copies by selling, lending, or renting
  • Creating any similar work based on it’s the original piece
  • Displaying the art
  • Reproducing it

As an artist, you can copyright several items, including the following;

  • Animations
  • Diagrams
  • Drawings
  • Illustrations
  • Infographics
  • Maps
  • Photographs
  • Sketches

The bottom line is that one can copyright any visual art, which means the list is longer than the examples above. Equally important, you don’t have to make the work using your own hands to have the right to copyright it. Conversely, creative content produced with digital tools is also eligible for copyright protection. If it is unique and no such piece exists, you can protect it from distribution, copying, and other edits using copyright laws.

There is this notion that copyright laws exist to make artists benefit from their hard work. On the contrary, its main role is to ensure no one uses one’s hard work to become rich or famous. It prevents people from stealing artworks and benefiting from them without lifting a finger.

know a copyrighted image
Source: pexels.com

It doesn’t mean one can’t profit from another person’s work. However, it limits how you use it since you must adhere to its owner’s stipulation. An owner can choose how one can use his work or even make money from it.

To avoid violating copyright laws, use this guide

3.1 Checking Metadata

Did you know that you can inspect a file’s metadata to establish its copyright status? You will get information such as its licensing terms, copyright holder, and creator.

Fortunately, there are various tools one can use for the exercises. They are usually online and readily available.

3.2 Searching Creative Commons

Creative Commons is a rich library that displays CC-licensed files. The search platform gathers results from different public repositories. Consequently, it is detailed and extensive, thus quite reliable.

copyrighted image
Source: pexels.com

3.3 Checking the Source

This method is quite straightforward when checking an artwork. Some platforms and websites usually attach information regarding various images.

3.4 Searching the Image on Google

It involves using the image’s URL or uploading it. You will access where it appears online, thus aiding you in determining its copyright status.

Several countries have databases containing every material subject to copyright work. They also have platforms where artists use copyright laws to register the items they wish to protect.

3.6 Looking for Watermarks and Signatures

Some artists use watermarks and signatures to declare their ownership. Consequently, using such an item violates the law.

copyrighted work
Source: pexels.com

4. Are You Allowed to Use Copyright-Protected Work?

Having a copyright doesn’t automatically restrict its utilization. However, you need to adhere to certain requirements, including the following;

4.1 Subscribing to or Purchasing Stock Images

Various websites allow you to use their images within the law by paying a fee. Depending on the platform, it could be a one-time purchase or a subscription.

4.2 Using Images Available in the Public Demand

If a piece of art is in the public domain, you can use it without worrying about violating the law. After all, they usually lack copyright protection; there is no use restriction.

4.3 Creative Commons Licensing

If you attribute the creator for the work done, Creative Commons will license you to use a file. However, only under special circumstances can you use such images commercially.

image is copyrighted
Source: pexels.com

4.4 Strictly using it Under Fair Use

This leeway permits you to use images without permission for several purposes. They include research, scholarship, teaching, news reporting, criticizing, or commenting.

4.5 Obtaining Permission or License

You must contact the artist and seek permission to use the file. Some will allow you for free, whereas others require you to seek a license. Regardless of the method, stick to the guidelines the creator stipulates.

5. Impacts of Using a Copyright-Protected Image Without Permission

If you don’t seek permission to use an image, consequences differ from one case to another, depending on the artist.

Some artists require you to purchase a license to use their work. You can also create an arrangement on how to continue using the artwork at a fee.

copyright laws
Source: pexels.com

Others won’t offer any warning and hence take the matter to court. You will receive a notice to appear in court, and the judge will make a judgment. This consequence is usually the worst-case scenario.

Final Words

Since honouring copyright laws is important, you must know everything about them. Fortunately, the above discussion explains everything. You can easily know if an image is subject to copyright; hence, avoid violating that law.

It is often hard to get away with this violation, hence the need to be keen when using other people’s artwork. If certain artists allow you to use their images, ensure you stick to their requirements for using them. It is advisable to avoid going to the contrary since the consequences are often dire.

Last Updated on by Gourvi Gupta

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I have worked on projects across various niches including Technical Writing, Creative Writing,Blog Writing, Academic Writing, and I'm always expanding my horizons. I strive to lead readers into unknown worlds, worlds filled with ideas and information to digest. I have been an excellent writer to stretch my voice to meet my clients needs. I also work as an editor and proofreader where I make sure that the writing comes out to be absolutely impactful. I write crisp and to the point content which is absolutely loved by my clients and they keep coming back to me with their best projects!
1 Comment
  • The article emphasizes the importance of obtaining permission or a license when using copyrighted images and highlights various scenarios, such as subscribing to stock image websites, using public domain images, utilizing Creative Commons licensing, and strictly adhering to fair use.

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