Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2012

I am wondering is it okay (legal) to use a Google image on your website, FB page, Tweeter message, etc.?

#2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2012

I guess it would depend on the manner in which you are utilizing the image. If it is a link to your profile page then it should be fine.

Julie

#3 (**permalink**) 05-03-2012

I would recommend that you read Google's information on this directly. They have Terms of Service and within that page it states clearly "These terms do not grant you the right to use any branding or logos used in our Services." If you have any questions, and feel there may be exceptions or ambiguity here I believe they provide an address to write to.

#4 (**permalink**) 05-03-2012

You need to find out what the copyright is for the picture itself, simply having it available on Google doesn't mean it's public property and you could be infringing on the copyright by using it.

#5 (**permalink**) 05-04-2012

I spent the last three months creating some brochures for my job (I'm not even a quarter done yet). One thing I found out is that you have to be careful of copyright when using images you find on the internet. The reason its taking me so long to create those brochures is because I need to find images that aren't copyrighted.

My coworkers husband is a website designer. Apparently he was sued last year for using an image he didn't have permission to use.

I'd really hate to see the same thing happen to anyone else.

I suggest taking whatever time is necessary to verify that it isn't copyrighted before using it.

If you're from the US, the below website might help you to find out.

http://www.copyright.gov/

#6 (**permalink**) 05-04-2012

Better yet- sign up for a service like iStockphoto and buy whatever images you need :-)

~C

#7 (**permalink**) 05-04-2012

Many images on Google have copyright, but there are also many which subscribe to Creative Commons. Generally, this means the owner of the image allows you to use it for sharing, website etc purposes. However, you usually have to attribute the image to them (sometimes just their name, other times with a hyperlink to their website). You can check out further info here ... http://creativecommons.org/about

#8 (**permalink**) 05-04-2012

Everyone,
You have confirmed my fears. I am so glad I checked with you guys first.
Thank you!

Please "Like" me at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...iceServicesInc

#9 (**permalink**) 05-07-2012

I think I misunderstood your question. I though you were asking if you could use the Google Icon Image on your sites. It appears you are speaking about using an image you found after doing a search on Google Images. If this is the case, then I agree with the other statements. It depends if the image was copyrighted.

Julie