Are you using copyrighted images?

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Photos and graphics are important elements that can make your posts and pages stand out and break up copy, making it easier to read. Unless you create your own images, however, you’ll need to make sure that you’re legally entitled to use what you download. 

Why you can’t just look for a copyright symbol?

You might assume that if an image doesn’t have the word “copyright” or letter C in a circle (©), you can freely use it. This isn’t necessarily the case. Images first published after March 1, 1989 don’t have to include this type of notice to be protected under copyright laws.

Even if you give credit to the image’s creator, alter it in some way, or use it on a not-for-profit site, you could still be in violation of copyright laws. 

What possible consequences could there be?

If you violate the law, you could face legal action. This is true even if you didn’t realize the image was protected and if you took it down immediately when asked to do so. Ultimately, you could be inviting a legal headache and even a costly lawsuit if you violate copyright laws. 

How do you find images you can legally use?

So how do you get the images you need without running afoul of the law? Many photo-sharing sites offer high-quality, royalty-free images. You may have to register with a particular site to download the images, and some rules may still apply. For example, you may be able to use the image as long as you give credit to the graphic artist or photographer.

In many cases, these kinds of images are free to use:

  • Creative Commons Search: A good place to start is on Creative Commons Search. This provides an access point to several sites, including Flickr, which offer free images.
  • Unsplash: Mostly nature images, Unsplash offers a wide selection of high-resolution royalty-free landscape pictures, with new pictures added daily.
  • Google Images filtered search: You can filter a Google Images search to include only those images that can be legally reused for commercial purposes. Go to Google Images and enter what you’d like to search for. Click on “Search tools,” and then look under “Usage rights” and make your selection. “Labeled for reuse” is the least restrictive choice, and results will show images that can be used for commercial purposes. 

It’s no surprise that social posts with an image are viewed more than those without. But don’t cut corners by using copyrighted images and graphics without permission. A lawsuit isn’t the way to get people talking about your business. 

For more information about finding high-quality images you can legally use, contact The Hodges Partnership. We’re experts at helping clients raise visibility and increase sales through their blogs and social media accounts.

Kelsey Leavey

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