Images and Copyright

Using Images and Copyright Law

  • Key Message:

    • Just because an image is on the Internet and easily accessible, it does not mean you are allowed to use it.

Understanding Copyright Law

  • Responsibility:

    • It is your responsibility to check the permissions for using an image.

    • Citing the source or giving credit to the photographer may not be sufficient for lawful use.

  • Common Issue:

    • Many students at the university inadvertently violate copyright law by using images found through Google Image Search without proper rights or permissions.

  • Historical Context:

    • Copyright law originates from centuries-old European laws that were stringent about copying work due to the time and effort put into creating original works.

    • Although copyright law is evolving, it still holds significant importance in today's digital landscape.

Best Practices for Using Images

  • Utilizing Library Resources:

    • It is advised to consult librarians who specialize in supporting students, particularly in the sciences, for assistance with image usage rights.

  • Image Selection:

    • Only use images for which you have clear rights and always attribute the source accurately.

    • Explore Creative Commons images, which may provide certain allowances for use but still require checking specific license details.

Finding Images on Google

  • Process:

    1. Perform a Google Image Search to find an image (e.g., "E. Coli").

    2. Use Tools in Google Image Search to filter results based on usage rights.

    3. Specifically look for images under Creative Commons licenses to ensure permissible use.

  • Example of Creative Commons License:

    • Find an image, for example, by Valerie O'Brien, and check usage rights.

Creative Commons Licenses Explained

  • CC License Types:

    • CC BY (Creative Commons Attribution):

    • You must attribute the creator. You can use the image for any purpose, including commercial.

    • CC BY-NC (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial):

    • You must attribute the creator but cannot use the image for commercial purposes (e.g., no selling t-shirts with the image).

    • CC BY-SA (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike):

    • You must attribute the creator and share any derived works under the same license terms.

    • CC BY-ND (Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives):

    • You can use the image without modifications, maintaining the creator's original work intact. Commercial usage is permissible under certain terms.

    • CC BY-NC-ND (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives):

    • You can use the image for non-commercial purposes only, without modification, and with attribution.

    • CCO (Creative Commons Zero):

    • The least restrictive license, allowing anyone to use the image for any purpose without attribution; essentially in the public domain.

Ethical Implications of Using AI-Generated Images

  • Caution with Generative AI:

    • AI-generated images may inadvertently resemble copyrighted images. Users must ensure that their generated images do not violate copyright laws.

    • Suggestion to perform a reverse search for images to verify originality and avoid copyright issues.

Conclusion

  • Summary Message:

    • Simply finding an image on the Internet is not a valid reason to use it legally. Ensure that you are using images with explicit permission, either that you created yourself or images that have clear license grants.

    • There is a wealth of images available for lawful use, especially under Creative Commons licenses, so there is no reason to avoid using images when appropriately sourced.