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Blog Content and Copyright

by Xarcz
5 replies
Say I wanted to make a "Top 10 Cool Looking [product]s" post on my blog. Would I have any problems if I listed products without asking the [product] manufacturer for permission to list their product in my post? Even if the written content is completely mine, and the pictures are all free use?

It's not really a review, because I don't actually purchase and use the product, I just research it online.
#blog #content #copyright
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Harris
    I'm guessing you are promoting the products as an affiliate.

    So why don't you just ask the product owner if you can use the images.
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  • Profile picture of the author kk075
    You can talk about any brand or product in the world you want to; there's nothing wrong with that at all and you do not need permission. Additionally, you can take a single photograph from that brand's website to show on your blog to let your readers see the product you're reviewing. That falls under "fair use"....companies have to let you do it.

    Also, it doesn't matter if you're buying the product or just reading about it online- it's a review either way. What you should do, however, is email the marketing departments of all the products you review very favorably...and they might send you future versions of that product to write about for free. It's also a solid way to get backlinks from big brands.
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    • Profile picture of the author Xarcz
      Originally Posted by kk075 View Post

      You can talk about any brand or product in the world you want to; there's nothing wrong with that at all and you do not need permission. Additionally, you can take a single photograph from that brand's website to show on your blog to let your readers see the product you're reviewing. That falls under "fair use"....companies have to let you do it.

      Also, it doesn't matter if you're buying the product or just reading about it online- it's a review either way. What you should do, however, is email the marketing departments of all the products you review very favorably...and they might send you future versions of that product to write about for free. It's also a solid way to get backlinks from big brands.
      Thank you, I appreciate your answer. I will read up on fair use also.
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      • Profile picture of the author kk075
        Originally Posted by Xarcz View Post

        Thank you, I appreciate your answer. I will read up on fair use also.
        No problem- good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author Elvis Michael
    As KK075 said, writing about it is fine and you don't need permission to mention any names and brands.

    When using pictures, fair use will "generally" keep you out of trouble. However, always take "fair use" cautiously, as some people/companies will still want to give you a legal headache regardless.

    Courts look into fair use situations on a case by case basis, as the judge ultimately determines your commercial intent.

    It's often ideal to only use part of an image, as opposed to the whole thing. This is not a foolproof solution, but it does help in many cases.
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