The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions or concerns about stock image usage or licensing, please consult your legal team or a qualified attorney.
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Understanding the rules and best practices for using stock images is essential to avoid legal issues. Use the following guidelines to navigate image licensing safely and effectively.
If you source images from stock agencies like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock, attribution requirements and usage terms are typically clear and standardized. Review the image page, Terms of Use, or the license document provided upon purchase for details.
Tip: Learn about different Creative Commons licenses at creativecommons.org. Always verify license details directly from the official site.
If you cannot verify the source or licensing information for an image, do not use it. Using unlicensed images could expose you or your company to legal liabilities.
Images under the CC0 (Public Domain) license offer maximum flexibility for commercial and personal use. Attribution is not required, but it is courteous to credit the creator when possible.
Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission, mainly for educational, commentary, or transformative purposes. However, fair use is complex and should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For commercial blogs, fair use rarely applies to stock images and should not be assumed without legal review.
If you plan to edit or modify stock images, check the license for any restrictions. Some licenses prohibit certain alterations, such as cropping, color changes, or combining with other images. Always ensure compliance with the terms of use.
Even if attribution is not required, crediting the image creator is a sign of respect and helps promote their work. Include the photographer’s name, image title (if applicable), and a link to the original source whenever possible.
Understand the difference between commercial and editorial use. Commercial use promotes or endorses a product, service, or brand. Editorial use is for non-commercial, informational, or illustrative purposes, such as news reporting or educational content. Make sure your image usage matches the intended purpose to avoid legal issues.
Licensing terms and conditions can change over time, especially with subscription-based services. Review these terms regularly to ensure your usage remains compliant.
For images created with AI tools (e.g., DALL·E, Midjourney, Adobe Firefly), check the platform’s terms of service. Some platforms grant full rights, while others have commercial restrictions or require attribution. Be cautious when combining AI-generated visuals with human-authored elements to avoid copyright or publicity rights issues.
Do not use images that:
These are strong indicators that the image may not be licensed for your intended use and could result in DMCA takedowns or legal claims.
If your station allows users to upload images (e.g., guest posts, contests, promotions), provide clear guidelines and require users to confirm they own the rights or have appropriate licenses. Consider reviewing submissions to flag potentially infringing content.
Even with a proper license, additional model or property releases may be required, especially for images featuring identifiable people or private property. For commercial use:
Stock images are a valuable resource for visual content, but following proper usage guidelines is essential. By understanding attribution requirements, licensing terms, and potential legal implications, you can use stock images responsibly and ethically.
If you are ever unsure, seek permission or clarification from the image creator or rights holder. Diligence in respecting copyright and licensing ensures a safer and more compliant creative process for everyone involved.