Why can't I copy content and use pictures without permission?
Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer.
Every week or so a thread pops up asking about copying content or using pictures found on Google.
Here's a really simple answer if you can do any of these things: NO!
Generally, once someone writes something down (an original blog post, for example), they own the copyright to it automatically. If they're writing for an organization like a newspaper, magazine or online publication - then that organization will likely own the copyright to the work.
With pictures it's pretty much the same thing. Either the photographer owns the copyright, or the organization the photographer works for does.
Regardless, you CANNOT use the content or picture without permission. Whether this permission is in the form of buying the rights to use it commercially, or it's clear they give you the rights (ie. Creative Commons), you must have permission to use content or photos you don't own. It's that simple and I can't think of any exceptions to this. Maybe public domain, but that's a whole different ball game.
And no, Google does not own the copyright to images when you search for images that are free to share and use. Google will not protect you. Best to find out who owns the copyright to those images and go to them directly.
Think about it for a minute: a photographer, for example, has probably invested a lot of money in equipment (professional camera gear can be very expensive). They've also put in the time to hone their craft. Why is it fair for you to use the picture for free, without getting permission?
The risks of copyright infringement can be severe. At the very least, you might get a DMCA takedown notice. Or, you could be reported to your hosting service and they might just take your website down. And at the very worst you can face legal action by the copyright holder. It happens, and the results can be very expensive.
So PLEASE, don't assume because "it's just an article" or "it's just a picture" you can use it without the proper permission. Someone worked hard on it. More importantly, it's not yours.
There are legitimate places where you can get royalty free pictures. Or you can take your own pictures. The technology has made it easy to buy an inexpensive camera and take decent looking pictures.
You can write your own content. Yes, it's time consuming, but at least it'll be original to your website.
Heck, if you want, contact the copyright holder directly and ask. I know some photographers love sharing their work if you just ask. Writers might do the same.
Be aware of trademarks as well. Using a trademarked logo without permission is also a big no no and can land you in trouble.
My general rule of thumb: if I have to ask, it's probably not a good idea. Or I need to investigate further.
Every week or so a thread pops up asking about copying content or using pictures found on Google.
Here's a really simple answer if you can do any of these things: NO!
Generally, once someone writes something down (an original blog post, for example), they own the copyright to it automatically. If they're writing for an organization like a newspaper, magazine or online publication - then that organization will likely own the copyright to the work.
With pictures it's pretty much the same thing. Either the photographer owns the copyright, or the organization the photographer works for does.
Regardless, you CANNOT use the content or picture without permission. Whether this permission is in the form of buying the rights to use it commercially, or it's clear they give you the rights (ie. Creative Commons), you must have permission to use content or photos you don't own. It's that simple and I can't think of any exceptions to this. Maybe public domain, but that's a whole different ball game.
And no, Google does not own the copyright to images when you search for images that are free to share and use. Google will not protect you. Best to find out who owns the copyright to those images and go to them directly.
Think about it for a minute: a photographer, for example, has probably invested a lot of money in equipment (professional camera gear can be very expensive). They've also put in the time to hone their craft. Why is it fair for you to use the picture for free, without getting permission?
The risks of copyright infringement can be severe. At the very least, you might get a DMCA takedown notice. Or, you could be reported to your hosting service and they might just take your website down. And at the very worst you can face legal action by the copyright holder. It happens, and the results can be very expensive.
So PLEASE, don't assume because "it's just an article" or "it's just a picture" you can use it without the proper permission. Someone worked hard on it. More importantly, it's not yours.
There are legitimate places where you can get royalty free pictures. Or you can take your own pictures. The technology has made it easy to buy an inexpensive camera and take decent looking pictures.
You can write your own content. Yes, it's time consuming, but at least it'll be original to your website.
Heck, if you want, contact the copyright holder directly and ask. I know some photographers love sharing their work if you just ask. Writers might do the same.
Be aware of trademarks as well. Using a trademarked logo without permission is also a big no no and can land you in trouble.
My general rule of thumb: if I have to ask, it's probably not a good idea. Or I need to investigate further.
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