Am I allowed to use third-party graphics for my presentation?
September 1, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Sandra Altmann
Dear lawyer,
my name is Ralf Ullmann and I am currently working on an important presentation for my company. For this presentation, I would like to use some graphics that I found on the internet. However, I am unsure if I am allowed to use these graphics without violating copyright laws.
The current situation is as follows: I have already downloaded some graphics from various sources on the internet and inserted them into my presentation. In my opinion, these graphics are very informative and would enhance my presentation. However, I am concerned that I may be infringing on copyright laws and could potentially face legal consequences.
My worries are that I may receive claims for damages or warnings from the creators of the graphics if I use them without permission. I certainly do not want to run into any legal issues and therefore wonder if it is even allowed to use other people's graphics for my presentation.
My question to you as a copyright lawyer is therefore: Am I allowed to use other people's graphics for my presentation? If not, what alternatives do I have to still create an appealing presentation? Are there legal ways to obtain suitable graphics that I can use without any concerns?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Ralf Ullmann
Dear Mr. Ullmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of foreign graphics for your presentation and your concerns about possible copyright infringements. As a copyright lawyer, I can provide you with some important information and tips on this matter.
First and foremost, it is important to know that graphics, images, and other creative works are generally protected by copyright. This means that the creators of these works have the sole right to decide how their works may be used. Therefore, if you download graphics from the internet and use them in your presentation without obtaining the permission of the creator, this may constitute a copyright infringement.
In your case, it is advisable to clarify the rights to these works before using foreign graphics in your presentation. This means that you either need to obtain the permission of the creator to use the graphics or use royalty-free graphics that are explicitly offered for free use on the internet. There are numerous platforms where you can find such royalty-free graphics, such as Pixabay, Unsplash, or Pexels.
If you have already downloaded graphics from the internet and are unsure if you have permission to use them, I strongly recommend that you carefully check the sources of the graphics and, if necessary, contact the creators to obtain permission. If you have used graphics without permission, you should promptly remove them from your presentation to avoid potential legal consequences.
Overall, it is important to always be mindful of copyright when using foreign graphics in your presentation and ensure that you have the necessary rights to use the graphics. Only in this way can you avoid legal issues and potential claims for damages.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Sandra Altmann
Copyright Lawyer
