Stock Image Licenses: Get the Right Rights
Selfies rule, but stock images are still indispensable tools for the many types of content we create. I use them on my website and in my PowerPoint templates.
Did you know that the terms of use that you click to access those stock images are actually copyright licenses? (Yes, it always comes back to copyrights 😊.)
That means if you don’t understand the limits of the license or you use the stock image in a way that is not permitted by the license → copyright infringement. 😣
Time for a little primer about stock image licenses.
What are Stock Images?
Stock images are (typically) professional photographs that are available for licensing and use by the public from online platforms, such as Getty Images, iStock and Canva. They are created without a specific project in mind and can be used for a variety of purposes, including advertising, marketing, websites, blogs, and more.
Licensing Stock Images
It is easy enough to find images that you like from the many online resources. However, understanding the associated licenses is crucial for lawful use.
Determine Your Use Case: Identify if your use is commercial, non-commercial (aka editorial), digital, print, or for merchandise. Your intended uses will determine which type of license is best for you:
1) Royalty-Free Licenses:
The most commonly used stock image license.
Pay once and use the image multiple times without additional fees.
Suitable for websites, newsletters, and social media posts.
Example: Pexels offers an exceptionally permissive royalty-free license allowing modifications and various uses without the need for attribution.
2) Rights Managed Licenses:
A more restrictive and customizable approach.
Fees vary based on usage specifics such as duration, geographic location, and media type.
Ideal for high-profile projects where exclusivity is preferred.
Example: Primarily found on platforms like Getty Images, which offer extensive catalogs and options like market exclusivity.
3) Extended Licenses:
Covers uses beyond standard stock licenses, such as merchandise.
Higher costs, reflecting the broader scope of usage.
Necessary for incorporating images into products for sale, like t-shirts or mugs.
Review Usage Restrictions: Ensure your use doesn’t violate any restrictions.
Even royalty-free licenses have usage restrictions to be aware of, such as:
No Defamatory or Illegal Uses: You cannot use images in a defamatory manner or for illegal purposes.
No Implied Endorsements: Don’t use photos to falsely imply endorsements of a product or service.
Trademark Limitations: Incorporating stock images into logos or trademarks generally requires special permissions.
Selling unmodified images: Selling stock images without any modifications is generally prohibited. Selling them as your own is strictly prohibited.
Read the License Agreement: While stock photo sites offer user-friendly FAQs, always review the full license agreement to fully understand your rights and obligations.
Remember, IP is fuel. 🚀
Erin