News / Blog: Glossary / Lexicon

What are Image Rights?

Image rights refer to the legal claims and regulations regarding the use, distribution, and reproduction of images. These rights aim to protect the interests of those involved in the creation or ownership of images. Respecting image rights is crucial to avoid legal conflicts and ensure that images are used lawfully. Here are some key aspects related to image rights:

1. Copyright:

The creator of an image, typically the photographer or artist, automatically holds the copyright to the work. This means they have the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, publish, and sell the image. The duration of copyright varies by country but is often several decades after the creator's death.

2. Licensing:

The copyright holder can transfer specific rights to others through licensing. A license specifies how others can use the image. There are exclusive licenses granted to a single user and non-exclusive licenses that can be granted to multiple users.

3. Image rights of individuals or property:

For images featuring recognizable individuals or private owners of buildings or artworks, additional rights may be required. These may come in the form of a model release (consent of the person depicted) or property release (permission from the owner of the depicted object).

4. Creative Commons licenses:

Some creators release their works under Creative Commons licenses, allowing others to use the images under certain conditions without directly seeking permission.

5. Image agencies:

Many professional images are licensed through image agencies. These agencies represent creators and allow businesses or individuals to use images for a fee.

6. Public Domain:

Images whose copyrights have expired or have intentionally been placed in the public domain can be used by anyone without restrictions.

Understanding and adhering to the specific license terms and restrictions for each image is crucial. Violating image rights can have legal consequences, including financial penalties. Therefore, it is advisable to always ensure that the use of images complies with legal regulations.