Image Licensing for Commercial Use: A Simple Guide

April 13, 2023

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Image Licensing

Commercial use of photography works - License to use - Image rights to use - Licencing Photography Work

Navigating the Maze: A Guide to Image Licensing for Commercial Use

In today's digital age, images are more important than ever. They're used to capture attention, promote products, and tell stories. But if you're using images for commercial purposes, it's important to make sure you have the right to do so. That's where image licensing comes in.

What is image licensing?

Image licensing is the process of obtaining permission to use an image for a specific purpose. This permission is granted by the copyright holder of the image, who is usually the photographer or the person who created the image.

Why is image licensing important?

Using an image without permission is copyright infringement, which can be a costly mistake. If you're caught using an image without permission, you could be sued for damages. In some cases, you could even face criminal charges.

Types of image licenses

There are many different types of image licenses, but some of the most common include:

  • Royalty-free: This type of license allows you to use an image for an unlimited number of times in a variety of commercial applications. However, you may still need to pay a one-time fee for the license.
  • Rights-managed: This type of license gives you more limited use of an image. You may only be able to use the image for a specific period of time, in a specific way, or in a specific medium.
  • Editorial: This type of license is only for use in news and editorial content. You cannot use an image with an editorial license for commercial purposes.

How to choose the right image license

The type of image license you need will depend on how you plan to use the image. If you're not sure which type of license you need, it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult with an expert.

Can you obtain an image licence to use my images?

Yes you can, for example, you could purchase exclusive rights and be granted an image license for short periods if required, a year being the minimum period. Contact me to discuss further. Basic info such as image size, publication type or size of the print run will help towards licensing arrangements. You may wish to buy images or use photos within the portfolio for use, if so please contact me as I will require your project information to quote for intended use.

Ready to embark on your licencing agreement? Let John Gilchrist be your compass!

#imagelicensing #commercialuse #copyright #stockphotography


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