The creation of Google Images in 2001 would revolutionize the accessibility of pictures for creative inspiration, research, and unfortunately, copyright infringement. While the internet has allowed artists to post their work online, gain followers, and create their own digital portfolios, search engines like Google Images also make it all too easy for users to copy and paste these works without compensating or crediting their creators.
As Google Images is a free and lightning-fast catalogue of pictures across the internet, many mistakenly assume using these photographs on their business’ advertisements, social media, websites, or for other commercial uses is acceptable. It is also pertinent here to dispel the belief that Google itself is posting and/or hosting the images. It is important to understand that Google Images simply scans the internet for pictures hosted on billions of websites and merely displays those pictures to users performing searches. The photographs you see in a Google Images search result still reside on the website Google found them on, and you can generally click on the image to take you to that website.
Generally speaking, using a copyrighted work without a license or authorization constitutes copyright infringement. But don’t worry, Hero Cat is here to explain how best to avoid potential infringement and explore ways Google Images is still a helpful media tool for finding the perfect picture.
Look for the Disclaimer
A Google Image search will populate thousands of pictures. A more careful look will find a disclaimer underneath each image stating that “Images may be subject to copyright.” Thankfully, users can click the phrase “Learn More” directly to the right of this disclaimer to explore the basics of what a copyright is and how it may dictate the legal use of the image.
Here, Google explains what types of work may be copyrighted as well as how to use a copyrighted work, such as through obtaining a license agreement from the author or Creative Commons. Most importantly, users can become educated on common misconceptions about using photos found on Google Images. For example, content may still be considered infringing even if the author was credited, no profit was made by the use of the image, similar content is used online, or it is stated that the user did not intend to infringe. Business owners should also be aware that Google itself is not involved in a copyright infringement dispute, as that must be resolved between the infringer and the copyright claimant.
How to License Pictures on Google Images
If you are in the market for stock photos or an eye-catching graphic for your site, the good news is that Google Images is also a great tool for finding photographers and obtaining licenses to curate your business’ website, advertisements, or other media. By completing an Advanced Image Search, a plethora of licensable images can be found of any subject you’d like. Under the Usage Rights section, make sure to select “Commercial and other licenses” before searching. This allows users to view details such as the image source to let you know where to purchase the image license, an explanation of the license agreement, and the creator of the photograph. Make sure the use granted by the license agreement aligns with your business’ use of the image and remember to keep records of any license agreements.
Google Images may be the most well-known searchable image database, but just because the pictures are easy to find does not mean they are free to use. Users must perform their due diligence to verify the use of these images complies with copyright law and protects the photographer’s intellectual property rights. Assuming you can copy or screenshot pictures you find through Google Images is a common trap you now can avoid. Using these photos without first identifying and asking permission from the image’s owner is a dangerous gamble that could leave you and your business vulnerable to copyright infringement allegations being made against you. If Google Images is used correctly, it makes for an easy and safe way to purchase quality pictures and support artists around the world.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this blog post is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter.