Getting Google's Permission For Screenshots

[OnlineBusinessAffiliates]

Has anyone created their own Adsense product (e-book, video course, etc.) and used Google screenshots? I'm putting together a course, but I'm not sure what's allowed by Google and what isn't. (I hope this is the right place to post this.)

I can't post the links here, but I found documentation for using Google search screenshots and other stuff under their permissions page.

It seems, though, that using Analytics, Adsense, and Adwords screenshots may fall into another category. I know part of the Adsense terms state that we can't publish our CTR, but since we also can't alter the screenshots with overlaying graphics (blur, pixelate, or black out), how can we accomplish this? According to their terms, we're also supposed to use complete screenshots, so we can't just crop out those parts, either.

I know that I can request permission from Google through one of their pages, but I must submit every screenshot I want to use. I have plans to host meetings and record them to video, though, so I can't possibly submit everything up front.

Just a quick point: Even on threads of this forum there have been screenshots posted which don't meet G's rules.

• Has anyone else run into this problem?
• Am I missing something? G's documentation is pretty scattered, so it's possible.
• Did everyone here who's released products get permission for every screenshot?
• Would this fall under some sort of fair use act or something?

Thanks for you help. I'm just trying to do the right thing. (And, not get taken to court, of course.)

P.S. I'm not asking for legal advice. I'm not the kind of person who would hold you responsible, so please post your "opinion" or experience. Links to factual pages would help. Thanks again.

[somacorellc]

I wouldn't sweat it. Generally using something for purposes of demonstration and teaching are deemed okay in the eyes of the law, if it were to ever get that far.

The only sticky point is if you're going to sell the product you create commercially. Since you're now making a profit from the reproduced work you could in theory be infringing.

I have another understanding that if you alter the original work enough, you can claim it as original work which does not fall under copyright laws - so editing out your CTR and cropping the image significantly might be okay.

In the end - if you want to get really strict about it, get their permission.