How Do You Check If an Image is Copyrighted?

Discover the essential steps to determine an image's copyright status. From licenses to reverse image searches, ensure responsible content creation.

Introduction

In today’s digital age, visuals play a crucial role in conveying messages, stories, and information. As content creators, bloggers, or website owners, we often rely on images to enhance the appeal of our content. However, before using an image found online, it’s essential to consider its copyright status to avoid potential legal issues. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process of checking whether an image is copyrighted, with a focus on resources available in India.

What is Copyright?

Before delving into the methods of checking an image’s copyright status, let’s briefly understand what copyright means. Copyright is a legal protection given to the creators of original works, including images, photographs, music, and literature. This protection grants creators exclusive rights to their work, such as reproducing, distributing, and displaying it. Using copyrighted material without permission can result in legal consequences, making it crucial to ascertain an image’s copyright status.

Image is Copyrighted: Step 1: Start with the Source

When you come across an image you wish to use, the first step is to identify its source. Knowing where the image originated can provide valuable information about its copyright status.

Here are some common sources and what they might indicate:

• Search Engines (Google, Bing, etc.)

Images found through search engines are often accompanied by usage rights information. To check the copyright status, click on the image and look for details in the sidebar. Google, for instance, provides filter options to refine results by usage rights, making it easier to find images that are free to use or share.

• Stock Photo Websites

Stock photo websites like Shutterstock, Getty Images, and Adobe Stock offer a wide range of images, but they typically require payment or subscription. These images are usually protected by copyright, so you must purchase a license to use them legally.

• Social Media

Images shared on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter may or may not be copyrighted. Check the platform’s terms of service and the user’s profile for any usage rights or licensing information. Some users may share their work under Creative Commons licenses, allowing certain uses with proper attribution.

• Personal Websites or Blogs

Images on personal websites or blogs may or may not be copyrighted. If you find an image on an individual’s website, look for an ‘About’ or ‘Contact’ page to reach out and request permission or inquire about usage rights.

Step 2: Examine Licensing Information

Image is Copyrighted – Once you’ve identified the source of the image, your next step is to examine the licensing information provided. Many creators and platforms use specific licenses to clarify how their images can be used. Here are some common licenses:

• Public Domain

Public domain images are not protected by copyright and can be freely used for any purpose, including commercial use. These images are often older works or those whose copyright has expired. Some creators intentionally release their work into the public domain.

• Creative Commons Licenses

Creative Commons licenses offer a spectrum of permissions that creators can choose from when sharing their work. The most common types include:

• CC BY (Attribution): Allows you to use the image for any purpose, as long as you provide proper attribution to the creator.
• CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike): Allows usage and modification, but any derivative works must be licensed under the same terms.
• CC BY-ND (Attribution-NoDerivs): Permits use but prohibits creating derivative works.
• CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial): Allows use for non-commercial purposes only.
• CC BY-NC-SA (Attribution-NonCommercial-Share-Alike): Allows non-commercial use and derivative works with the same license.
• CC BY-NC-ND (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs): Allows only non-commercial use with no modifications.

To determine the image’s copyright status, look for these license symbols and read the accompanying terms. Ensure that your intended use aligns with the license’s requirements.

Image is Copyrighted: Step 3: Reverse Image Search

When the source and licensing information are unavailable or inconclusive, a reverse image search can be a valuable tool to check for the image’s copyright status. Here’s how to perform a reverse image search:

• Google Images

Google Images offers a reverse image search feature. To use it, follow these steps:

1. 1. Step 1: Go to Google Images (images.google.com).
   2. Step 2: Click on the camera icon in the search bar.
   3. Step 3: Upload the image you want to check or enter the image URL.
   4. Step 4: Click the ‘Search by image’ button.

Google will display matching images and their sources, allowing you to investigate further. Look for any licensing or usage rights information on the source websites.

• TinEye

TinEye is another reverse image search tool that can help you find where an image appears on the web. Here’s how to use it:

1. 1. Step 1: Visit the TinEye website (tineye.com).
   2. Step 2: Upload the image or enter the image URL.
   3. Step 3: Click the ‘Search’ button.

TinEye will provide a list of websites where the image appears, which can help you track down its original source and potential copyright information.

Step 4: Use Copyright Databases

In India, there are specific copyright databases and resources that can assist you in determining an image’s copyright status. These databases primarily focus on Indian copyrighted works. Here are some key resources:

• Copyright Office Website

The Copyright Office of India maintains a website (copyright.gov.in) that allows you to search for copyrighted works, including images. While the database primarily covers Indian works, it can still be a valuable resource for checking the copyright status of images created by Indian authors or entities.

• Artists’ and Authors’ Societies

In India, various artists’ and authors’ societies represent creators and manage their copyrights. Examples include the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) and the Indian Reprographic Rights Organisation (IRRO). These organisations may provide information about the copyrighted works they manage, including images.

Step 5: Seek Permission

If you’re unable to determine the copyright status of an image using the above methods, or if the image is copyrighted, it’s best to seek permission from the copyright holder. Here’s how you can go about it:

• Contact the Creator

If you can identify the creator or copyright holder of the image, reach out to them through the contact information provided on their website or social media profiles. Politely explain your intended use and request permission to use the image. Be sure to specify the terms of use and whether any licensing fees apply.

• Use Creative Commons Resources

If the image is released under a Creative Commons license, follow the license terms explicitly. Provide proper attribution if required and adhere to any usage restrictions specified in the license.

• Licensing Platforms

For images available on stock photo websites, follow the platform’s licensing and usage terms. Purchase the appropriate license if necessary, ensuring full compliance with their terms.

Conclusion

Checking an image’s copyright status is a crucial step in responsible content creation and usage. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can make informed decisions about whether to use an image and, if so, how to do so legally and ethically. Remember that respecting copyright not only avoids legal troubles but also fosters a culture of respect for creators and their intellectual property.

At Vakilsearch, we understand the importance of copyright compliance in the digital age. Our mission is to assist individuals and businesses in navigating legal complexities, including matters related to intellectual property. If you find yourself unsure about an image’s copyright status or require legal guidance on any aspect of intellectual property, our team of legal experts can provide valuable assistance. We offer services that can help you secure copyrights, trademarks, and patents, ensuring your creative works are protected while also respecting the rights of others.