Usage of Google Images
-
I’m trying to create a blog reviewing TV shows and would like to add a photo from each episode at the beginning of my blog. Can I just take a photo off Google Images from a TV show and put it in my blog? Is this illegal/can I be sued? Or because it is from a TV show and not technically a ‘photograph’ is it any different?
The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)
-
Can I just take a photo off Google Images from a TV show and put it in my blog?
No!
Is this illegal/can I be sued?
Yes, legal action can be taken against anyone who does not respect copyright.
-
The majority of images you see in Google image search results are under copyright and require permission for use.
Do not ever use any image unless you have prior written permission to use it or you will be committing a breach of copyright. Confirm the specific requirements of every image source please and use what they specify for crediting them. Please read Add Media »Finding Free Images and other Media http://en.support.wordpress.com/add-media/finding-free-images-and-other-media/
If your intended media file requires attribution, please follow this handy guide. http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/03/26/source-and-attribute/ and also see here https://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/04/30/free-images/
-
thank you for your response. this may seem like a dumb question but say i’m watching a movie on my computer and take a screenshot of the movie and use it in my blog. is this considered to be illegal?
-
I will type modlook into the sidebar tags on this thread for a Staff response. How do I get a Moderator/Staff reply for my question? https://en.support.wordpress.com/getting-help-in-the-forums/#how-do-i-get-a-moderatorstaff-reply-for-my-question Please subscribe to this thread so you are notified when they respond and be patient while waiting. To subscribe look in the sidebar of this thread, find the subscribe to topics link and click it.
-
@theonlytdr – while you’re waiting for Staff to reply, since you mentioned that you are creating a blog to review TV shows, perhaps you’ll find this Support doc informative as well https://en.support.wordpress.com/fair-use/
-
Hi there,
I can also only refer you to the support doc @justjennifer linked to above. An image used in the context of a review or discussion should be covered by the fair use doctrine, but fair use isn’t law. If a television studio decides to sue you, a court will decide if your use of the image falls under fair use or if you have to pay the lawsuit.
For any answer more detailed than that you need to consult a lawyer who specialises in copyright law. We cannot provide legal advice in the support forums.
-
thank you all for your responses. they were definitely enlightening and I’ll be sure to read through the support docs. i appreciate everyone’s input.
- The topic ‘Usage of Google Images’ is closed to new replies.
WordPress.com Forums 