If you find an image online that you like, it’s ok to use it on your website or in your advertising campaigns, right? Not unless you either have permission to use the image, or have purchased rights to use it — unless it has been clearly labeled as ok to use (either by being a creative commons image or otherwise). Using someone else’s images online without proper permission can be costly — a free image can end up costing thousands of dollars in legal fees and fines. Your website is responsible for any images that are on it — so even if a designer or employee puts up an image improperly, you will be held responsible. And the tricky part is that only the original owner of the image can give you permission, so if you find a site of free images, be wary that they’re actually free. Andy Sowards has some more good information about using images online…
If you think that you can use whatever photo or image you want from the Web, you’re wrong. The The Berne Convention declares new and original work created after April of 1989 has automatic copyright protection regardless of if its author. Don’t dive in just yet If you landed a big client and need plenty of captivating photos for your project. — Using Stock Photos? Know the Laws by Andy Sowards
