Do I have to observe certain license conditions when using stock photos?
March 7, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Edith Fischer
Dear Media Law Attorney,
My name is Hildegard Rademacher and I run a small online shop where I sell handmade jewelry. To present my products in an appealing way, I often use stock photos that I have downloaded from various online platforms. Now I have heard that there are certain license conditions to be observed when using stock photos to avoid copyright infringements.
My main concern is that I do not encounter any legal problems and can continue to professionally present my products. Therefore, I would like to know from you what license conditions I need to consider when using stock photos. Are there specific terms of use that I must adhere to? Do I need to mention the author of the photos or make certain source references? What about using the photos on social media platforms?
I am worried that I could unintentionally violate the license conditions and face legal consequences. Therefore, it would be very helpful for me if you could provide me with specific guidance and tips on how I can ensure that I use the stock photos legally. Perhaps you also know of alternative sources for royalty-free images that I can use without hesitation.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Rademacher
Dear Mrs. Rademacher,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of stock photos in your online shop. It is understandable that you are concerned about possible legal issues and want to ensure that you are using the images lawfully. I will be happy to provide you with detailed information on the licensing terms and guidelines for the safe use of stock photos.
When using stock photos, it is important to pay attention to the respective licensing terms. Typically, there are different types of licenses that govern the use of the images. The most common licenses are the Royalty-Free license and the Rights-Managed license. With a Royalty-Free license, you can usually use the image for a one-time fee without additional usage restrictions. With a Rights-Managed license, however, you must specify the duration of use, the intended purpose, and the scope of publication, and may need to pay additional fees.
It is important that you carefully review the licensing terms of the stock photos and ensure that you use the images in accordance with the guidelines. In many cases, you may need to credit the author of the image and/or provide a source reference. This is done to respect the copyright and appropriately acknowledge the author.
If you wish to use stock photos on social media platforms, you should also adhere to the respective terms of use of the platforms. Some platforms, such as Instagram or Facebook, have specific rules regarding the use of images and copyrights. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the guidelines before using stock photos on social media platforms.
To ensure that you are using royalty-free images, I recommend using specialized stock photo platforms that offer free images or publish images under Creative Commons licenses. Some well-known platforms include Unsplash, Pixabay, or Pexels. On these platforms, you can download images for free and usually use them without restrictions.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the importance of carefully reviewing and complying with the licensing terms of stock photos to avoid legal consequences. If you are unsure whether you are allowed to use a certain image lawfully, I recommend seeking advice from a copyright or media law attorney who can provide comprehensive guidance.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Edith Fischer
