What are image usage rights?

Have you ever seen a good image on other websites and wanted to use it on yours? Before you save it or take a screenshot, you need to stop and see if you can legally use it. Images that are found on websites and other platforms come with image rights.

Everyone needs to know the criteria for choosing and using images from other sites. In this blog, we’ll walk you through image rights and what you can and can't do with images on your website.

What are image rights?

Image rights are the legal rights that are associated with the use of images, photos, graphics, or illustrations. These rights ensure that the creator of an image has control over how their work is used. When you find an image on another website, you need to obtain permission or a license from the creator or copyright holder unless the image is in the public domain or covered by Creative Commons licenses.

Why do image rights matter?

Image rights can be used for multiple purposes. Let’s read them here.

• Legal protection: Using someone else’s image without permission is a copyright violation. The owners of the image rights have the power to take legal action if someone violates the rules and uses the images without their permission.

• Avoiding takedown notices: Search engines and social media platforms take copyright violations seriously. If a creator files a complaint, the copied content could be taken down or removed. This can affect the online presence of the brand.

• Maintaining reputation: A brand’s credibility is vital, and using unlicensed images can cause significant damage to its reputation. This can damage the brand’s credibility and make people less likely to engage with it.

• Improving search engine rankings: Copyright violations can affect search engine rankings. Websites that don’t follow copyright laws may be penalized by the search engines. This can lead to a drop in traffic and lower search rankings.

Types of image usage rights and licenses

Here’s an overview of the most common types of image rights and licenses:

• Copyrighted images: Copyrighted images are protected by law, and the creator or copyright holder has exclusive rights over the image. To use copyrighted images legally, you must either buy a license or get permission from the creator.

• Royalty-free images: Royalty-free images allow you to pay a one-time fee for the right to use the image multiple times. These images typically come with a license that grants specific usage rights, so always check the terms before using them on your site.

• Creative commons images: Creative Commons is a licensing system that allows creators to share their work for free. However, some of the owners will ask you to give credit to them when you publish it. Always review the terms of use before you use the image.

• Public domain images: Public domain images are not protected by copyright and are free for anyone to use. These images can be used without permission or payment.

How to avoid violation of image rights?

Here are some tips to make sure you are using images legally on your website:

• Verify the image rights: Don’t assume an image is free to use just because it’s on the internet. Always check the license or permissions associated with the image.

• Use images from reputable sources: Stick to reputable sources for licensed stock images, or use content that clearly states it’s free for commercial use.

• Give proper credits: If you're using Creative Commons images or content that requires attribution, always credit the creator. This shows respect for the creator’s work and keeps you legally safe.

• Use images from public domains: Public domain images are free to use without restrictions. However, always double-check that the content is truly in the public domain and not mistakenly labeled as such.

• Create your content: Creating your images is the best way to avoid any copyright issues. Whether you’re taking your photos, designing graphics, or creating original illustrations, this ensures that you own the content and have the full rights to use it as you wish.

Respecting image rights is key to ensuring legal safety and maintaining a strong, trustworthy online presence. Always ensure that the images used are either created by you, licensed, or legally sourced. Check out our blogs for more information.