In the era of digital content explosion, images are used everywhere: websites, social networks, TVCs, packaging, advertising posters… However, many businesses and individuals still unintentionally violate image copyright just because they do not know whether the image is copyrighted or not. So how to check accurately and avoid legal risks? This article will help you understand image copyright and how to check quickly – accurately – safely.
What is a copyrighted image?
Any image created by an individual or organization (photograph, illustration, design, cartoon character…) is by default protected by copyright under the Vietnamese Intellectual Property Law and the international Berne Convention.
That means:
- The person who creates the image (author) owns the copyright.
- No one has the right to copy, edit, or use it for commercial purposes without permission.
- Images on Google, Pinterest, Facebook… are not free images, unless clearly stated.
This is why “downloading images from the internet and then using them” often leads to copyright infringement, even if the user does not intend to.
Why is it necessary to check for copyrighted images?
Checking image copyright is not just a step to “follow the right procedure”, but a measure to protect businesses from many legal risks and serious financial losses.
- Avoid administrative penalties: According to Decree 17/2023/ND-CP, the fine for using uncopyrighted images can be up to 10-30 million VND, not to mention additional measures.
- Not being asked to remove posts, delete videos or destroy publications: An infringing image used on a website, fanpage, flyer or packaging can force you to withdraw or edit all related content, directly affecting your marketing plan.
- Limit the risk of civil lawsuits: If the use of unauthorized images causes damage to the owner, the business may have to pay a large amount of compensation depending on the level of violation, disrupting business operations.
- Maintain reputation and professionalism: In the field of marketing, packaging design or brand communication, using legally copyrighted images shows respect for intellectual property and enhances the business image in the eyes of customers.
- Avoid big losses from just a small mistake: Many brands have had to pay hundreds of millions, even billions of dong just because of mistakenly using an image on the internet without verifying the origin.
In short, checking image copyright is a small step but brings great value, helping to protect the business in terms of law, cost and brand reputation. If you need, I can write more practical examples or instructions on how to check image copyright correctly.
Ways to check if an image is copyrighted
Here are ways to check if an image is copyrighted or not, from basic to advanced.
3.1. Check the origin of the image
If the image comes from the following sources, the possibility of copyright is very high:
- Big brand website (Disney, Marvel, Netflix, Nike…)
- Professional photography site (Getty Images, Shutterstock…)
- Personal portfolio site (Behance, ArtStation…)
- Photographer’s photo with watermark
- Illustration with author’s signature or logo
Important principle: Photos with high quality, professional style, or images of famous characters are almost certainly copyrighted.
3.2. Reverse Image Search (Google Reverse Image Search)
The most common way to check if an image is copyrighted:
- Go to Google Images, click the camera icon
- Upload the image or paste the URL
- Google will display the websites that have used the image
If the image appears on: Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Getty Images, Pinterest with the author’s source, then this is a copyrighted image.
If the image appears on many meme sharing sites, personal blogs, the possibility of the image’s copyright is unclear, need to check further.
3.3. Check the license from the image upload site
Many sites that provide images come with a license to use:
- CC0 (Creative Commons Zero): free to use for all purposes.
- CC BY: free to use but must cite the source.
- Commercial License: must pay to use for commercial purposes.
Some free, safe sites you can refer to: Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash… However, these sites still have risks if users upload copyrighted images, so be careful.
3.4. Check watermark, logo or author signature
If the image has: Watermark, author logo, artist signature, © symbol, then 100% of the image is copyrighted. You are not allowed to remove the watermark and then use it, this is a serious violation.
- Check image metadata (EXIF)
Some photos store information such as: Author, camera type, date taken, location taken. Although not always available, EXIF is a data that helps identify the origin of the photo.
3.6. Check on large photo repositories
You can find photos on Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Getty Images, iStock… If the photo appears on these repositories, it is definitely a paid photo and has commercial copyright.
Above is the answer to the question How to know if an image is copyrighted that VCD shares with you. Maintaining the habit of checking copyright before using any image will help you avoid unnecessary risks and protect your brand reputation in a sustainable way.
Sincerely,
Images on Google do not mean copyright-free. Google only acts as a search engine, and the image is still owned by the author.
You are only allowed to use the image when:
The image is labeled “permitted to reuse” (Creative Commons).
The image is in a free photo library and clearly states the right to use.
You have asked permission from the owner or purchased the copyright.
If you use it without checking, you may be asked to remove the post or be fined according to Decree 17/2023/ND-CP.
You can check image copyright by:
Finding the source of the image (original website, author, accompanying license).
Using reverse image search tools such as Google Lens, TinEye to see if the image belongs to any individual/organization.
Check the license information (License) if the image is taken from a photo library such as Shutterstock, Freepik, Pixabay…
If unsure, contact the owner directly to ask for permission to use.