DKGSI

Are You Using Images Legally?

+

Time and time again, members want to find and use images but are still unsure how this whole process works. Typically, the first thing they do is search Google. More often than not, the images they find and want to use are copyrighted. What can be done?

Google

You can limit your Google search to images that allow you to use and/or modify. First search for your image (e.g. owl). Click on the “Tools” icon at the top. Next click “Usage Rights.” Choose either “Labeled for reuse with modification” or “Labeled for reuse.” See the screenshot below. The resulting choices are available to be used legally. You can also use this for a search for “owl clipart,” as illustrated in the second screenshot.

Screenshot 1:

Screenshot 2:

Creative Commons

Wikipedia defines a Creative Commons (CC) license as one of several public copyright licenses that enable the free distribution of an otherwise copyrighted work. A CC license is used when an author wants to give others the right to share, use, and build upon a work that he or she has created. CC provides an author/creator with flexibility. For example, the author/creator might choose to allow only non-commercial uses of his or her own work.  CC also protects the people who use or redistribute an author's/creator’s work from concerns of copyright infringement--as long as they abide by the conditions specified in the license granted by the author/creator for distribution of the work.

A number of excellent sites use Creative Commons (CC) attribution to identify which CC license is being applied. Use this link to find many images as well as videos and music. Pixabay is a favorite for many users.

Society Icons

The ONLY images/graphics on the DKG website that you are permitted to use are the Logos. Note that all logos have an embedded trademark. Other images found on the DKG website are not available for members’ use.

Logos may not be modified or altered or used in a misleading way, including suggesting sponsorship or endorsement by DKG, or in a way that confuses DKG with another organization.

                     

Something New: The graphic designer at DKG Headquarters has recently developed “signature logos” for each state organization. A PDF is available that explains the DKG Brand Guidelines.

Bottom Line

If in doubt, leave it out.