So, let’s talk about where to find licensing details for a sec
(if you’re looking for a more in-depth look at stock image copyright issues click here)
One of the things I’ve noticed in many online groups where book cover designers hang out is that a lot of people haven’t been exposed to very much information about Copyright. So I thought I’d lay out some of the basics. Note, I am not a copyright lawyer, nor do I play one on TV. But I have been designing for more than 25 years and doing mostly book covers for almost 10. I’ve studied copyright, and I review images for one of the major stock sites. So I know a thing or two. But, still, you all know not to take my words as legal advice, right? Good. So, we can move along then. 😉
Where the heck did I put that license?
SO many links to keep track of, and some of them are rather hidden at the bottom of an obscure page that is already hard to find. But regardless of how hard it is to track down the details, it’s important to know the specific licensing terms of each different stock company from where you’re sourcing images. Each website has slightly different terms, even though many of them sell licenses for the same images. So depending on what you need, there can even be benefits to knowing a little bit about the terms from a few sources because different terms might allow you room to do some things more easily, depending on your client’s needs.
It’s also important to make sure your clients are aware of the terms for the images you’ve used so they don’t inadvertently put themselves (and you) at risk. It can be a complete pain to figure out where the applicable links to licensing information are. So I’ve compiled a single page with links to important legal information to make it simple and easy to find and access the terms and legal information from all of the standard sources. Hopefully having them at your fingertips makes it easier to keep track of it all, and maybe even research a little bit into the ones you might not usually use.
I’ve started with the most often used, mainstream stock houses and a few of the more well-known boutique stock sites, but I know there are many more that could be added. If there is a stock source that you think should also be here, please, comment and let me know what to add! I’ll look into it and, if merited, add to the list as time allows.
MAINSTREAM STOCK HOUSES (Alphabetical)
License Comparison Chart | License Details
License Overview | License Details | *Known Image Restrictions*
License Details | *Known Image Restrictions*
License Comparison Chart | Licensing Details | FAQ | Legal Info
License Details | *Restricted Images Wiki*
License Details | *Known Image Restrictions*
Click here to see the rest of the Copyright for Book Cover Designer Series
• Stock image copyright basics
• When do you need an extended license?
• Author and Series Logos
• Links to Licensing details for all the main stock sources
* Copyright laws are extremely extensive and confusing. You can find more specific details about what images can and cannot be used commercially at the links below. I highly recommend taking a look so you can make sure you protect yourself. There are some surprising things that can’t be used commercially in any way.
Shutterstock Known Image Restrictions
AdobeStock Known Image Restrictions
All three have much of the same info, just in different formats. Use the one where you find the most information and feel is the easiest to navigate.
LEARN how to spot the pitfalls
before you fall into one that you can’t get out of.
Have something to say? Your comments are welcome!
