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Using google images for website?

by Rocketguy
11 replies
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.
#google #images #website
  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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
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    • Profile picture of the author Nigel Greaves
      Originally Posted by Rocketguy View Post

      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.
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      • Profile picture of the author 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.
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        • Profile picture of the author 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.
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          • Profile picture of the author Debbie Songster
            Originally Posted by Rocketguy View Post

            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.
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  • Profile picture of the author 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.
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    • Profile picture of the author 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.
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  • Profile picture of the author hdwallpaper2
    Selena Gomez
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  • Profile picture of the author Susan A
    Its obvious, free download doesn't mean free to use, instead use it for personal use, maybe for your own desktop background. Never use a copyrighted wallpaper for a business website, you will save yourself from a lot of trouble that way.
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  • Profile picture of the author irshad321
    Do not use Google images in your website. Most of the images are copyrighted in google images.
    Search for sites that offer images for using commercially which you can add to your website.
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