Copying images and the law (2024)

This University of Bath Library guide gives advice about the rules for copying images and the ways in which you are allowed to copy them.

Images may include:

Please note:

  • You should check for permissions and abide by any restrictions imposedby the online source of the image (website, blog or other online publication). You should note that website owners may not own an image copyright. If in doubt you should ask permission from the copyright holder.

  • Where you are permitted to copy an image, you always need to reference the source, for example the website where the image is used. You also need to reference the copyright owner in order to avoid plagiarism and the relatedpotential penalties.

  • You can link to a PDFguide toreferencing images for more detailed advice.

  • Adapting images: most images must not be manipulated. If you are allowed to copy an image and want to adapt it, you must obtain permission from the copyright holder.

  • Where copying is permitted, images can only be usedfor non-commercial purposes such as education. This includes images made available under Creative Commons.

  • Examinationsand theses:you may copy whatever you need for educational purposes -if the material is published, or made available on the University of Bath research repository Pure or EthOS system for online theses, any copyright material should be removed unless you have permission from the copyright holder.

  • Privacy laws:if you want touseimages thatcontain people,in particular children,youneed to seek their permission. Copyright is retained by a photographer or artist for 70 years until after their death.

  • Logosand some cartoons may never be reproduced, even to promote the websites or printed material they come from.

  • Performing rights: if you wish to perform or film, play, musical or opera, you may need to seek permission to do so.

Coursework:

  • Online images: check the Terms and Conditions in the relevant website. Links to Termsareusually found at the bottom ofa homepage. Students are often allowed to make a single copy of an image for their coursework.

  • Printed images: students are allowed to make a single copy of an image for coursework

  • Sharing: coursework should not be published or shared on the internet, for example Facebook, without asking permission from the copyright owner.

Teaching:

  • Online images: check the Terms and Conditions within the relevant website. A link to the Terms is often found at the bottom of the homepage. If permission is granted, only onecopy of an image may be made.Some sites allow more than one copy of the image to be used for educational purposes.

  • Printed images: under the CLA license, multiple print copies of printed material are permitted i.e. one per student enrolled on a coursewith the exception ofpublishers and worksthat areexcluded from this license as shown in the CLA License restrictions.

  • Publication: images used must not be published without permission, either electronically for example via the Pure research repository, Facebook or in printed format.

  • Moodle: if adding images to an online course, you need to also add a link to the homepage of the source website within the virtual learning environment.

  • Public access forums: you should not link courses or coursework to such forums for example, Facebook

  • Disembedded images from scanned material: to use these, refer to Scanning Guidelines

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Copying images and the law (2024)

FAQs

Is it legal to copy images? ›

If in doubt you should ask permission from the copyright holder. Where you are permitted to copy an image, you always need to reference the source, for example the website where the image is used. You also need to reference the copyright owner in order to avoid plagiarism and the related potential penalties.

How can I use images without breaking the law? ›

In that case, the agency or employer owns the copyright. Copyright protection gives the owner the right to determine who copies, distributes or adapts the images for further use. The only way to legally use a copyrighted image is to obtain a license or an assignment from the copyright owner.

Can you use someone's image without their permission? ›

Generally, the law requires that individuals must give their permission before their name or likeness can be used for a commercial purpose. The unauthorized use of someone's name or likeness may give rise to two different types of legal claims: Violation of the right of publicity, and. Invasion of privacy.

Can you sue someone for stealing your pictures? ›

To stop someone from stealing your photos, you must sue them in federal court for copyright infringement.

What is considered an illegal image? ›

1. You intentionally and maliciously distributed, or caused the distribution of, an intimate image of another individual. 2. The person depicted in the image did not consent to its dissemination.

What is illegal use of images? ›

No matter the reason, you have the right to protect yourself from having your name or image taken without your consent. In California, you can sue for damages. Under the law, a successful claim could result in $750 for each unauthorized use. Actual and punitive damages could also be available.

What to do if someone posts a picture of you without your permission? ›

If you feel strongly that an image of you or how you have been depicted in the public eye is inappropriate, you may have a case. Speaking with an attorney through an initial consultation is the best place to start.

What's it called when someone takes a picture of you without you knowing? ›

Secret photography is the use of an image or video recording device to photograph or film a person who is unaware that they are being intentionally photographed or filmed. It is sometimes called covert photography.

What is considered image theft? ›

Image Theft and Copyright

People and businesses using your work without your permission or knowledge; sometimes even claiming it as their own work; or using it for their own profit while you get nothing.

How do I report someone stealing my pictures? ›

To get started you can submit your request with DMCA.com here: DMCA Takedown Form. If someone has stolen your content and is publishing it without your permission on another website, DMCA.com can help. Simply submit the name and location of where you found your stolen content and we will go to work on your behalf.

What to do if someone steals your images? ›

Hire a copyright attorney to go after the infringer. I've done this several times when it was a large company stealing my image – they all settled out of court, and I got thousands from the settlements.

Is it illegal to copy pictures from the Internet? ›

Images on the open web are subject to copyright law in the same manner as any other creative work; there is no guarantee that an image is legally available for re-use just because it is freely accessible on the web.

Is it legal to copy art for personal use? ›

Artwork Copyright Laws

Legally, you can copy the art of others if you're a skilled artist and want to create a replica for your home. However, selling the painting as if it were an original by that artist is illegal. Instead, make it perfectly clear when selling the art that you painted it.

Are any images copyright free? ›

Free images are typically licensed with Creative Commons copyright licenses or are a part of the public domain. Public domain images and images with a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license are free to download and use commercially without attributing the source.

Is copying something for personal use illegal? ›

How much of someone else's work can I use without getting permission? Under the fair use doctrine of the U.S. copyright statute, it is permissible to use limited portions of a work including quotes, for purposes such as commentary, criticism, news reporting, and scholarly reports.

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