How to find if an image is copyrighted?

The internet is a wonderful place to find images for California business owners. There is an image to suit pretty much any need. All you need to do is a quick search to get an array of them at your fingertips. However, you need to be cautious about using images you find online. The majority of them are likely protected by copyright. It is your responsibility to ensure any that you use are not copyrighted.

According to Drumbeat Marketing, there are a few ways you can ensure the images you find online are not copyright protected. The first thing you need to do is check for a copyright registration. Do be aware not every copyright is registered, but this can be a good place to start. You can also ask the owner, if you can find out who that is. You also should understand the simple signs of protection. This includes a copyright symbol, a watermark or any statement about copyright.

If after doing some research, you are still unsure about copyright, then it is wise to not use an image. Violating a copyright could result in legal trouble. It is better to avoid any such issues by only using images you are 100 percent sure do not have copyright protection. Most often, such items will have a clear label indicating they are free use or public domain. In the case of copyright, it is always better to be safe than to deal with the ramifications later. This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.