Am I allowed to use screenshots of websites in my presentations?
March 10, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Isabel Tressel
Dear Media Law Attorney,
My name is Valentina Prestel and I work as a marketing manager in a medium-sized company. I often use screenshots of various websites for my presentations to visualize specific content or trends. So far, I haven't thought about whether I am allowed to simply use these screenshots or if there are legal restrictions.
I am concerned that I may be violating copyright laws by using screenshots of websites in my presentations. Are there specific guidelines or rules that I need to follow to ensure that I don't run into legal issues? Are there perhaps exceptions or special regulations that allow me to use screenshots of websites in my presentations?
I want to make sure that I design my presentations legally and without taking any risks. Can you please provide me with information on whether I am allowed to use screenshots of websites in my presentations and what steps I should take to ensure that I am legally in the clear?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Valentina Prestel
Dear Mrs. Prestel,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of screenshots of websites in your presentations and possible legal risks. It is important to be aware that copyright also applies to digital content such as websites, and therefore screenshots of them may also be protected by copyright.
In general, the creation and distribution of screenshots of websites may constitute reproduction and possibly distribution of protected content. This may violate copyright if you do not have the necessary rights to use the content. It is advisable, therefore, to ensure before using screenshots in your presentations that you either have the consent of the rights holder or that the use is covered by a legal exception or limitation.
One way to avoid legal issues is to use screenshots of websites that are under a Creative Commons license or whose content is explicitly released for free use. In this case, however, you must comply with the license terms and, if necessary, mention the author.
Another option would be to use screenshots within the scope of the right to quote. The right to quote allows the use of protected content if it is related to a quote and the purpose of the presentation is to inform the public. However, it is important to indicate the source of the screenshot and ensure that the extent of the use is appropriate.
To be on the safe side, I recommend that you verify the legality of using screenshots in your presentations before doing so. If you are unsure whether you have the necessary rights, you can also ask the rights holder directly for permission or consult a media law attorney.
I hope this information helps you and that you can create your presentations legally in the future. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Isabel Tressel
