Am I allowed to use copyrighted images on my website?
March 30, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Wanda Hartmann
Dear Sir/Madam Lawyer,
I operate a website where I regularly publish content. Now I am unsure whether I am allowed to use copyrighted images to illustrate my posts. I have already used some images from the internet without knowing the exact origin or author. I am concerned that I may be violating copyright law and may face legal consequences.
Can you tell me if I am allowed to use copyrighted images on my website? What risks are involved if I have already done so? Are there ways to license or replace the images retroactively to avoid legal issues?
I want to make sure that I act correctly in the future and do not infringe on the rights of third parties. Therefore, it would be helpful if you could provide me with specific recommendations on how to legally secure my approach to using images on my website.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Petra Köhler
Dear Mrs. Köhler,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of copyrighted images on your website. It is understandable that you are concerned about potentially violating copyright laws and facing legal consequences. It is important that you address this issue in order to minimize any potential risks.
In general, images published on the internet are usually protected by copyright. This means that you need the permission of the creator in order to use these images on your website. If you use images without knowing the exact source or creator, this can lead to legal consequences. Possible risks include warnings, claims for damages, and injunctions from the creator.
If you have already used copyrighted images on your website without owning the necessary rights, I strongly recommend removing these images and replacing them with licensed or royalty-free images. You can try to retroactively license the images by contacting the creator and reaching an agreement. Alternatively, you can also use platforms for royalty-free images such as Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Unsplash to avoid legal issues.
To legally protect your actions regarding the use of images on your website, I recommend the following actions:
1. Only use images for which you own the necessary rights or that are under a free license.
2. Make sure to know the source and creator of the images and, if necessary, obtain a written consent.
3. Label the images on your website with the notice "© Creator's Name" and link back to the source if possible.
4. Regularly check your website for copyrighted material and take appropriate action if you discover any violations.
I hope this information helps you and enables you to act legally in the future. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Wanda Hartmann
Attorney specializing in Internet and Computer Law
