The Copyright Reminder You Don’t Want to Ignore

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A few copyright tips and reminders…

Not too long ago, the ¾¨Ó㴫ýPatrol shared a list of some of our “”Ìýto spark creativity. If weÌýhad a similar list for our “least favorites,” this week’s topic would definitely be near the top:Ìýunauthorized use of copyrighted materials.

While it’s tempting to grab a great photo from a professional news website (or a quick Google search), doing soÌýwithout permissionÌý³¦´Ç²Ô²õ³Ù¾±³Ù³Ü³Ù±ð²õÌýÌýand can land you in trouble with the copyright owner. Some organizations aggressively protect their images, and legal consequences can be both costly and stressful. If your site currently features any of these photos —Ìýfrom this year or previous yearsÌý— we encourage you toÌýremove them immediatelyÌýto avoid potential problems.

So what can you do instead?Ìý

Option 1: FindÌýLegal Alternatives

There are several options for finding images from photographers who are willing to share their work under aÌýCreative CommonsÌýor similar license. Websites likeÌý,Ìý, andÌýÌýoffer images that can be used legally, butÌýbe sure to double check the license details. Some licenses require attribution, while others may have additional restrictions. Keep in mind that the terms of these licenses can change without notice, so always verify before using an image.

Option 2: Use Your Own Photography

Whenever possible, we recommend usingÌýoriginal photography.ÌýWhether it’s taking photos yourself or working with student photographers at your school, using your own images ensures that you haveÌýfull rights and controlÌýover their usage.

Option 3: Let ¾¨Ó㴫ý(and Reuters) HelpÌý

Of course, we know for certain topics or stories, snagging your own photosÌýmay not always be feasible. That’s whyÌý¾¨Ó㴫ýrecently announced a new partnership with Reuters,Ìýproviding subscribers with access to aÌývast library of professional photos.ÌýThese images come with captions and proper attribution, alleviating any concerns about copyright. Sourcing compelling visuals for your publication has never been simpler.ÌýÌýfor more information on this new partnership.

Questions? Contact the SPLC

Finally, we always like to mention thatÌýwe are not lawyers.ÌýIf you receive a letter from an organization claiming to represent a copyright holder, we encourage you to contact theÌýÌý(SPLC).ÌýThey are a great resource for student journalists and can provide guidance on how to navigate copyright concerns and respond appropriately to any claims.