Am I allowed to use screenshots of web pages in my presentation?
January 4, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Johann Kock
Dear lawyer,
I have a question regarding media law and I hope that you can help me. I am planning a presentation on current trends in online marketing and would like to use screenshots of websites to illustrate my arguments. These are public websites of companies related to my topics.
I am unsure if I can use the screenshots freely or if I could encounter legal issues. I do not want to infringe any copyright or violate other legal provisions. Is there a way for me to use the screenshots legally? Do I need to obtain consent from the companies whose websites I want to show?
I am aware that media law is a complex topic and I want to ensure that I design my presentation legally sound. I would greatly appreciate your expertise and advice on this matter. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Karl Köhler
Dear Mr. Köhler,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding media law. It is understandable that you are concerned about how to proceed legally in order to create your presentation on current trends in online marketing.
Regarding the use of screenshots from public websites, it is important to note that these are generally protected by copyright. This means that you cannot simply use screenshots of websites without obtaining the consent of the copyright holder. In this case, the companies whose websites you wish to show would be the creators of the respective content.
In order to use the screenshots legally, ideally you should obtain consent from the companies. This can be done in the form of a written permission, specifying the exact conditions for the use of the screenshots. Alternatively, you can ensure that the screenshots only show a small part of the website and do not display the entire content. Additionally, you should indicate that they are illustrations for your presentation and provide the source of the screenshots.
Another option could be to use screenshots that are licensed under a Creative Commons license or for which the companies have explicitly granted permission for third-party use. In this case, you would need to make sure that you comply with the terms of the respective license.
In case of doubt, it is advisable to seek legal advice to ensure that you do not infringe on any copyrights or violate other legal provisions. As a media law attorney, I am available for further questions and consultations.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and wish you success with your presentation on online marketing trends.
Best regards,
Johann Kock
