Am I allowed to use copyrighted images on my website?
January 16, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Otto Ullmann
Dear Internet and Computer Law Attorney,
My name is Heike Lange and I run a website where I report on various topics and projects. Lately, I have been using copyrighted images more frequently to make my posts visually appealing. However, I am now concerned whether this is legally allowed and if I may be violating copyright laws by doing so.
I am aware that copyrighted images cannot be used without the permission of the creator. However, as a layperson, it is sometimes difficult for me to determine whether an image is protected or not. Additionally, I am wondering if there are any exceptions or regulations that would allow me to still use copyrighted images on my website.
So, my current situation is the uncertainty of whether I can continue to populate my website with copyrighted images without fearing legal consequences. I do not want to take any risks or break the law, so it would be very helpful for me to know the best course of action in this situation.
Could you please explain to me in detail what legal regulations I need to consider when using copyrighted images on my website? Are there any possible solutions or alternatives that would allow me to use appealing images without infringing on copyright laws?
Thank you in advance for your support and legal advice.
Sincerely,
Heike Lange
Dear Mrs. Lange,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of copyrighted images on your website. It is understandable that you are concerned about possibly violating copyright laws and facing legal consequences. I will explain in detail below what legal considerations need to be taken into account when using copyrighted images and what possible solutions or alternatives are available.
It is true that copyrighted images cannot be used without the permission of the original creator. Copyright protects works of literature, science, art, and music, including photographs. This means that the photographer or artist who created the image generally has the sole right to decide how their work is used.
To ensure that you are not using copyrighted images, you should make sure to only use images that are explicitly labeled as free to use or have been published under a Creative Commons license. These licenses allow others to use the images under certain conditions without violating copyright laws. There are different types of Creative Commons licenses with varying usage conditions. It is important to inform yourself about the specific license terms before using an image and to ensure that you comply with them.
If you are unsure whether an image is copyrighted or not, I recommend searching for images on stock photo platforms or image agencies that are explicitly cleared for commercial use. There, you can purchase images that are suitable for your website and can be legally used.
Another alternative is to create your own images or use free image databases that offer images for unrestricted use. This way, you can make sure that you are not using copyrighted images and avoid legal consequences.
I hope this information helps you and that you are now better informed about how to proceed when using images on your website in order to respect copyright laws. If you have any further questions or need legal advice, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Otto Ullmann
