Unauthorized Use of Photos – Risks an the Right Response

In the age of social media and digital portfolios, it happens quickly: You use someone else’s photo for your own presentation and suddenly receive a legal notice demanding high compensation.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄:

• Even in non-commercial contexts, the creator is generally entitled to appropriate compensation.
• The amount of compensation depends on several factors: commercial vs. non-commercial use, reach, and context of the usage.
• Flat-rate demands based on standard professional photography rates are not always justified – especially in non-commercial cases.
• Claims for damages require proof of fault! Merely crediting the author does not make the use lawful.
• Ignorance is no defense – always check image rights before posting!

𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

1. Verify the claimant’s authorship of the photo.
2. Carefully assess the amount of the claim – is it proportionate?
3. Evaluate your own level of fault – the required diligence varies (e.g., student ≠ media company).
4. 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀!

𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀:

• Always use legally verified sources for images – such as stock photo platforms or images under Creative Commons licenses
• Early legal advice can save you money – both when using third-party images and when defending against excessive claims.

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰? Contact us!