Can Using Images Off the Internet Get Me Sued?

If you are searching the web looking for images for your next trial here are a few tips to keep it legal. One of the best ways to find images is on Google Images. It's fast and it's free, two of the best things around. But are these images really FREE? Are there copyright and usage issues to be aware of? The secret is the advanced search settings. One of the search criteria is "Usage Rights." It allows you several options "labeled for commercial reuse" being the the option you are likely to want. Here is a short video tutorial from John Marshall law student Jessica Dobias:

From Google’s Webpage:

In the Usage Rights drop-down, select one of the following options:

• Labeled for reuse: Your results will only include images labeled with a license that allows you to copy and/or modify the image in ways specified in the license.
• Labeled for commercial reuse: Your results will only include images labeled with a license that allows you to copy the image for commercial purposes, in ways specified in the license.
• Labeled for reuse with modification: Your results will only include images labeled with a license that allows you to copy and modify the image in ways specified in the license.
• Labeled for commercial reuse with modification: Your results will only include images labeled with a license that allows you to copy the image for commercial purposes and modify it in ways specified in the license.

For her full article: How to Use Google Images and Not Get Sued. One thing you will want to be careful of is to check the actual terms of the license.

Just grabbing photos off of Google does not give you the right to use them for whatever reason. Be Aware, Be Thorough and Be Smart.