Can I use screenshots of websites or apps in my presentations?
December 9, 2022 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Chloé Tressel
Dear lawyer,
My name is Katja Wittik and I work as a marketing manager in a small company. I like to use screenshots of websites or apps for my presentations to showcase specific features or products. So far, I haven't thought about whether I am allowed to use the screenshots as I have been doing.
I am unsure if it is legally permitted to use screenshots of websites or apps in my presentations. I have heard that there may be copyright infringement issues if I use screenshots from other websites or apps without permission.
I definitely do not want to run into legal trouble and that is why I am wondering if it is possible to use screenshots of websites or apps in my presentations without violating copyright laws. Are there specific rules or guidelines that I should follow to ensure that I do not commit copyright infringement?
I would greatly appreciate your assessment and any possible solutions so that I can use screenshots in my presentations safely and legally in the future.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Katja Wittik
Dear Mrs. Wittik,
Thank you for your inquiry and your interest in my field of media law. It is understandable that you are concerned about the legal aspects of using screenshots in your presentations. In fact, unauthorized use of screenshots can constitute copyright infringement, so it is important to be informed about the legal framework.
In general, screenshots of websites or apps are protected by copyright, as they are considered works under copyright law. This means that the creators of the websites or apps have the right to decide how their works may be used. Therefore, if you want to use screenshots from other websites or apps, you should ensure that you have the necessary permission or license to do so.
However, there are exceptions where the use of screenshots without permission may be permissible. For example, the use of screenshots for private or scientific purposes may be considered permissible under certain circumstances. The use of screenshots for criticism, quotations, or reporting may also be allowed under certain conditions.
To ensure that you do not commit copyright infringement, I recommend following these rules and guidelines:
1. Obtain permission: If you want to use screenshots from other websites or apps, contact the rights holders and ask for permission or a license.
2. Use screenshots only for specific purposes: Use screenshots only for the purpose for which they are needed, for example, to show certain features or products.
3. Attribute the source: Always indicate the website or app from which the screenshot originates and avoid giving the impression that the screenshot is your own work.
4. Consider the duration of use: Use screenshots only for as long as necessary for the specific purpose and delete them after use.
By following these rules and ensuring that you comply with the legal framework, you should be able to use screenshots in your presentations legally, without infringing copyright.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Chloé Tressel, Media Law Attorney
