It's Important to Understand Copyright and Watermark
In the previous article, we discussed the basic meaning of copyright, the damages caused by infringement, and how to avoid infringement etc. In this article, we bring important copyright information regarding watermarks to the blogging world.
Watermark is ownership stamp
Giving a certain mark on the image means the creator marked evidence of his own existence on the image. We can call a mark a watermark, often this mark is transparent, therefore its work becomes a watermark. This ‘transparent’ ‘digital mark’ is usually applied to images displayed for sale online. Anyone can use it without watermark. If this use is not public, then it is impossible to catch theft. Thieves aside, there’s a hint for those who don’t know the watermark – that the image isn’t for free use. Such images are called “stock images”. iStockPhoto.com and shutterStock.com are two examples of ‘stock image’ and ‘stock footage’ (i.e. video) websites – which feature watermarked images for sale. These images (and all audio/video content) are said to be royalty-free. Once purchased, you can use it anywhere, anytime, anytime. Only reselling it in its original form is prohibited.
If you wish, you can purchase images from this site to use in your blog. (Not only buying, photography enthusiasts or ‘digital artists’ can also sell their creations at very good prices)
Courtesy of Google? Copyright infringements abound!
Google is often ‘listed’ in search results, and it is a very ‘common’ misconception that images in Google search results can be used without permission. not at all like that. Google only shows images, where the publisher’s ‘license’ has shared that image, Google has nothing to do with that. We’ve seen it written in many posts – Most of the images are taken from Google. Google doesn’t own this image – it only shows it in search results.
You will find lots of watermarked stock images in any search engine results – don’t use them. The website above and many other stock images are owned by a major international company – and their lawyers are currently looking for – when the copycats are coming and when they will prove their worth.
If there is no watermark, go to the image’s website and look at the ‘Copyright’ link. Do not use the image until you are absolutely sure.
Identify the different types of watermarks
Watermarks can be of many types. Most are semi-transparent. Creators, or sellers can make any of this their watermark.
- Website URL
- company name
- company logo
- Other special markings/designs
Importantly, if a watermarked image is published in a forum to include the blog in the discussion, then it is very likely that the forum will also be considered as an offender.
