Using google images for website?

[Rocketguy]

Guys, I am wondering if it is OK to use images on google for your website. I have found a couple really good websites that offer "wallpaper images" that look really nice.

Is it possible to downsize the wallpaper and make it into a large header image?

Is this legal and ethical?

Will someone come back to me and complain because it is on my site which is commercial?


I would pay for the images, but they are offering them up free and some of them are really nice looking abstract images. Any info or help would be greatly appreciated. I was going to do a month subscription for shutterstock, but they don't have the car images I need.

[Nicolaas Theron]

Google images are simply images from websites around the Internet that match your search query. Most of them will be copyright protected and you will get in trouble if you get caught using them.

Try sites like bigstockphoto.com, dreamstime.com and istockphoto.com for cheaper images than Shutterstock. No subscription needed, you only pay for what you use from around $1 per image.

[Rocketguy]

There are several websites that offer "wallpaper" images that say free download. Are those still off limits? The images on much better than the paid photo websites.

Here is an example of the site

BMW Wallpapers and Backgrounds - Page 14 - Desktop Nexus Cars

[Nigel Greaves]

Originally Posted by Rocketguy

There are several websites that offer "wallpaper" images that say free download. Are those still off limits? The images on much better than the paid photo websites.

Here is an example of the site

BMW Wallpapers and Backgrounds - Page 14 - Desktop Nexus Cars

Take a look at the bottom of that page under the "Terms of Service" and this is what it tells you:

"How You May Use the Material on Our Website

All materials contained in this Website are the copyrighted property of Maugans Corporation. All trademarks, service marks, trade names and trade dress are proprietary to Maugans Corporation and/or third party licensors. All materials in this Website shall only be used for personal, non-commercial purposes. You may view material from this Website for your own use and may download only one copy of any materials on any single computer for your personal, non-commercial use only, and you must keep all copyright and other proprietary notices attached to the downloaded material.

Any and all forms of duplication, reproduction, distribution, publication, modification, uploading, posting, copying or transmission of material from this Website is STRICTLY PROHIBITED unless you have obtained the prior written consent of Maugans Corporation. The material covered by this prohibition includes, but is not limited to, any written text, graphics, logos, photographs, audio, or video material on the Website.

You are also strictly prohibited from creating works or materials that are derived or are in any way based on the materials contained in this Website including, but not limited to, fonts, icons, link buttons, wallpaper, and unlicensed merchandise."

The answer to whether or not you can use the images are on most sites if you take a look.

[irenef25]

Yes definitely, it can get you into some trouble. Why don't you try out the site mention by nicholaas. Checkout this one too gettyimages.com These sites sell images with licence.... So you won't have any problem in future.

[Rocketguy]

Unfortunately the paid sites like shutterstock, iphoto, etc don't have the really nice abstract car pictures which is what I want to use. I sent an email to the owner of the site. We will see what he says about paying him to use some of them.

[Debbie Songster]

Originally Posted by Rocketguy

Unfortunately the paid sites like shutterstock, iphoto, etc don't have the really nice abstract car pictures which is what I want to use. I sent an email to the owner of the site. We will see what he says about paying him to use some of them.

Most everything has a price
You did the right thing contacting the owner to see if you can buy a commercial use license.
Make sure you get it in writing and keep it somewhere safe for the future in case you need it.

This is certainly a case of asking for permission first is better than using the object and then begging forgiveness later.

[Rocketguy]

Ya, I would never want to voilate any rules. The images they have are so nice and exactly what I have been looking for. I just hope the owner responds and if he does hopefully the prices are similar to shutterstock.

Also it looks like most all the images have been put up by members not the owners of the site. So I don't know how that plays into the case.

[irenef25]

Yes, definitely its a great decision asking your owner. Otherwise one little mistake and all the efforts done will get lost. And purchasing wallpapers are good for your site too no one will take any objection.