One thing that still surprises me is the frequency of businesses getting images for their websites, blogs and social media posts from Google search or by just copying them from some other site. This is a big no no! In fact it's considered theft.

I know, everyone has done this at some point. I've even done it. Well, now I'm here to tell you that doing this can cost you big bucks and it's just not right. It could potential cost you thousands where had you just paid for the picture legally, it would have only cost a few bucks. 

Many websites, blogs, social media pages/posts and online profiles get many of their images this way. The problem is that this is illegal and you are likely to one day get a notice from the photographer or entity that owns the rights to the image. Usually, they don't contact you, their lawyer does.

You might be asking yourself "how are they ever going to find an image on my local business website?" It's easier than ever. All they have to do is upload or drag and drop their image into Google search and it will show them all of the images on the internet that are similar. This takes about 30 seconds and they've got you. They take a screen shot of your website/blog/social media post, contact their lawyer and the lawyer sends the letter demanding thousands for illegally using their property. 

I won't bore you with story after story about how businesses and individuals are getting cease and desist letters. Do a quick Google search using this phrase "website image copyright infringement" and you'll find all sorts of stories. These stories are all the same and all avoidable. 

These letters usually include a demand for at least a 4 digit settlement. I know of one recent situation where the website owner paid almost $4,000 in legal fees just to settle. They ended up agreeing \to pay the photographer $4,500, for a total cost: $8,500. For ONE picture! They could have bought one for a couple of bucks on most photo catalog sites.

I also recommend staying away from Creative Common (CC) sites. I think there are many photographers who are putting images on these sites as bate. What I mean is they know most people and businesses aren't documenting the when, where, who, what and terms of each image use and because the cost to litigate is high, people will settle rather than spending thousands to litigate and risk losing. Also, because there's an opportunity for photographers and stock photo agencies to make some money by suing, there is and will continue to be a big effort to catch copyright violators. They have every right to protect their property as you have every right to protect yours. Usually CC sites have several different terms of use policies. I tried reading through several; I ended up confused with a headache. Because I don't feel like I clearly understood my rights, I avoid CC images. All I can say is if you are going to use CC images, use them with caution.

The good news is the solution is easy. 

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