Maybe you’re a blogger or you own a website, an online shop or could be you’re like any other social media fanatic who loves posting your own photos and those of your favorite celebrities. But are you aware of the existing restrictions that come with duplicating, using or publicly sharing photos of celebrities?
Many people assume that when you source for pictures from the celebrity image library then you’re exonerated from having to abide by copyright rules. This is a misconstrued notion that may sooner or later catch up with you, and cost you even more money or jail time. To help clear the air, here are some basic rules in regard to image copyright.
1. You Need Permission
If you first ask for permission to use the photos either from the celebrity’s management or from the original photographer, you can use the photos—but only if your request was granted. Using original celebrity images that have gone through the legal copywriting processes without gaining full permission to use them may get you sued. You will be asked to pay civil damages to the owner of the photos you used.
2. The Fair Use Doctrine
If you are using the celebrity image library to source for photos to use for purposes of teaching, news reporting, or research, then you are not infringing on the copyright laws. This is what is commonly known as the ‘fair use doctrine’ law. Here, you can reproduce as many copies as you need, for classroom use or for other use as provided within this law.
3. Refer Back To The Source
If for some reason, you are unable to reach the owner of the image you want to use on your blog or share on different platforms, there’s a way that you can do so without breaking any copyright rules. You can post the picture online, and right under it attribute it to the original source. This is seen as a way of acknowledging and showing respect to someone else’s work or to the celebrity whose photo you are using.
Final Thoughts
Only the copyright owner has the power to reproduce celebrity image library photos, publicly display the work, or distribute them. He or she also has the power to rent, sell, or lend the photos out to different people. However, if you are not the owner listed legally in the copyright documents but you still use materials sourced from celebrity image library, the court will prohibit you from repeating the same offense by making you pay for damages. Be aware!
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