How MOM have paid the price for image copyright
Years and years ago it was fine to use an image found on the internet on your own website or social media pages, as long as the photographer was credited and it was being used in the correct context. But, as years go by, the photographer's credit can be waylaid or forgotten about. This happened to us just recently and were alerted by an international licensing and copyright agent acting on behalf of photographers, artists, creators, agencies and businesses. Their client had lodged a case where their imagery had been used without a valid license or permission.
As you can imagine we were mortified, as it wasn't our intention for this to happen. We took immediate steps to rectify the situation:
1. Removed the photograph from the website.
2. As it was clearly the photographer's image and they deserve to be compensated fairly, MOM paid the requested amount to the photographer without delay or question.
3. Ensured that all photographs on the website were either owned the park, or we had usage permission.
What about images found on Google? When you're using images, there are six best practices for legally using them, as recommended by Copyright Laws.
1. Always Assume the Image is Protected by Copyright
- Never use an image, illustration or photograph without first doing research to determine its copyright status.
2. Linking
- Copyright-wise, it’s always less risky to link to a photo or other image than it is to copy and paste it onto your website or social media platform. And, it’s best not to embed that link but rather to set out a URL.
3. Use Your Own Photos and Images
- When possible, use photos and other images that you’ve taken yourself. Unless you’re employed and took the photos as part of your job, you own the copyright in your own photos.
4. Use Creative Commons-Licensed Images
- Use images that have a Creative Commons (CC) license. However, be aware that a CC license is just that: a license. You need to read its terms and conditions and see what it allows or not. Not all CC licenses allow the same uses. A CC license may allow use as-is, in a remix, or as part of a new work. In most cases a CC license requires attribution of the copyright owner.
5. Use Images From Stock Photo Agencies
- Purchase images from stock photo agencies and follow the license terms. Remember, you’re not outright buying an image from a stock agency, but are paying for certain uses of it. Read the specific terms and conditions (to which you have agreed).
6. Confirm Who Owns the Copyright in the Image
- Always verify that the image’s creator has the rights to permit you to use it. They may have assigned their rights to someone else and no longer own copyright in the image. Or, they may have created the photograph or other image at work as part of their employment duties, and copyright belongs to the employer. Ask the image’s creator to provide you with a warranty or guarantee that they are the image creator, still own the rights in the image and have the right to provide you with permission to use it.
Source: https://www.copyrightlaws.com/copyright-tips-legally-using-google-images/