Now that we know how to avoid copyright claims the various legal aspects and ramifications of using copyrighted images without proper licensing, let us explore the various ways to avoid copyright infringement claims for content used on your websites.
Produce and/or Create your own Images:
If you want to avoid licensing images and wish to produce a truly custom website, then you can certainly purchase a camera to take photos yourself and/or hire a professional photographer to capture images of your services or products in use. This will result in a truly custom website and you will have zero concerns of copyright claims.
Use FREE images provided by trusted sources:
Free images sources do exist but are careful and certain to review their license agreement. You can use these free image sources, but we recommend that you continue to maintain copies of documentation relative to all images used in your website as described in this article. Be advised that some of these resources note that they reserve the right to change their agreements at any time without further notice, so you should be sure to print and store any licenses offline. Some of these sources offer images with and without watermarks.
- Pexels.com:All photos and videos uploaded on Pexels are licensed under the Pixels license. This means you can use them for free for personal and commercial purposes.
- Pixabay.com:An international website which has free-to-use stocks that comprise of photos, illustrations, vector graphics, and film footage. It enables you to copy, modify, distribute, and use the listed images, even for commercial purposes, all without asking for permission or giving credits to the actual artist. The contents on this site may still be protected by the trademarks, publicity or privacy rights. So please read the disclaimers carefully before making up your choice wisely.
Use PAID licensing of copyrighted images using trusted sources:
If using copyrighted images on your website, be sure to maintain adequate documentation of any licensed images which you may have published on your website. This documentation can be stored offline. However, be sure that it is readily available for reference. Make sure that if you are licensing images, that you have clearly identified your URL (domain name) as the product for which it will be used. You should also consider providing a “policy page” on your website which either addresses the use of copyrighted materials and notes contact info for reference and verification.
- Istock.comis a leading source for user-generated stock photos, vectors and illustrations, and video clips. iStock comes under the Getty Images family of companies. iStock provides more cost-effective solutions for content royalty-free content than Getty.
- Shutterstock.comoffers cost-effective subscription plans for individuals and companies. It offers millions of royalty-free stock images, photos, videos, and more for your creative projects.
- Stockenterprise.adobe.com Adobe Inc.is an American multinational computer software company that produces a variety of media editing software including but not limited to Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Premier and more. Adobe Stock is an Adobe solution for royalty-free content. These premium collection images are handpicked by Adobe’s curation team from our most inspiring artists and partners. From illustrations, photos, and videos to 3D assets and even create templates.
- Gettyimages.com Getty offers subscription packages that include any combination of HIGH-QUALITY royalty-free creative photos, videos, illustrations, vectors, and most editorial images. However, their packs exclude all rights-managed images. Their subscription packages don’t expire as long as you sign in at least once a year.
